Fused heteroaryl compounds, and methods thereof for treating diseases, disorders, and conditions relating to aberrant function of a sodium channel

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to, in part, fused heteroaryl compounds and compositions useful for preventing and/or treating a disease or condition relating to aberrant function of a voltage-gated, sodium ion channel, for example, abnormal late/persistent sodium current. For example, such compounds include those having the structure:or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Methods of treating a disease or condition relating to aberrant function of a sodium ion channel, including Dravet syndrome or epilepsy, using such compounds are also provided herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the national stage of International (PCT) Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2017/063507, filed Nov. 28, 2017, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/427,053 filed Nov. 28, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/458,312 filed Feb. 13, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Sodium ion (Na+) channels primarily open in a transient manner and are quickly inactivated, thereby generating a fast Na+ current to initiate the action potential. The late or persistent sodium current (INaL) is a sustained component of the fast Na+ current of cardiac myocytes and neurons. Many common neurological and cardiac conditions are associated with abnormal INaL enhancement, which contributes to the pathogenesis of both electrical and contractile dysfunction in mammals (see, e.g., Pharmacol Ther (2008) 119:326-339). Accordingly, pharmaceutical compounds that selectively modulate sodium channel activity, e.g., abnormal INaL, are useful in treating such disease states.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are fused heteroaryl compounds and compositions useful for preventing and/or treating a disease, disorder, or condition, e.g., a disease, disorder, or condition relating to aberrant function of a sodium ion channel, e.g., abnormal late or persistent sodium current (INaL). In one aspect, the present disclosure features compounds of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶;

A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³;

each of R¹ and R² is independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halo, or cyano, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴;

each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

Described herein are fused heteroaryl compounds and compositions useful for preventing and/or treating a disease, disorder, or condition, e.g., a disease, disorder, or condition relating to aberrant function of a sodium ion channel, e.g., abnormal late or persistent sodium current (INaL). In one aspect, the present disclosure features compounds of Formula (I-2):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶; A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (IIa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (III):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, provided herein is a compound of Formula (IIIa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure features a compound of Formula (IIIb):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound of Formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (IVb):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (V):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of formula (Va):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (VI):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (VIa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (VIIa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (VIIb):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (VIII):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurological disorder or a psychiatric disorder, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurological disorder or a psychiatric disorder, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I-2):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurological disorder or a psychiatric disorder, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a disclosed compound (e.g., a compound of Formulae (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)).

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the ensuing Detailed Description, Examples, and Claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As generally described herein, the present invention provides compounds and compositions useful for preventing and/or treating a disease, disorder, or condition described herein, e.g., a disease, disorder, or condition relating to aberrant function of a sodium ion channel, such as abnormal late sodium current (INaL). Exemplary diseases, disorders, or conditions include epilepsy or an epilepsy syndrome.

Definitions Chemical Definitions

Definitions of specific functional groups and chemical terms are described in more detail below. The chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75^(th) Ed., inside cover, and specific functional groups are generally defined as described therein. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry, as well as specific functional moieties and reactivity, are described in Thomas Sorrell, Organic Chemistry, University Science Books, Sausalito, 1999; Smith and March, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, 5^(th) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2001; Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, Inc., New York, 1989; and Carruthers, Some Modern Methods of Organic Synthesis, 3^(rd) Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987.

Compounds described herein can comprise one or more asymmetric centers, and thus can exist in various isomeric forms, e.g., enantiomers and/or diastereomers. For example, the compounds described herein can be in the form of an individual enantiomer, diastereomer or geometric isomer, or can be in the form of a mixture of stereoisomers, including racemic mixtures and mixtures enriched in one or more stereoisomer. Isomers can be isolated from mixtures by methods known to those skilled in the art, including chiral high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the formation and crystallization of chiral salts; or preferred isomers can be prepared by asymmetric syntheses. See, for example, Jacques et al., Enantiomers, Racemates and Resolutions (Wiley Interscience, New York, 1981); Wilen et al., Tetrahedron 33:2725 (1977); Eliel, Stereochemistry of Carbon Compounds (McGraw-Hill, N Y, 1962); and Wilen, Tables of Resolving Agents and Optical Resolutions p. 268 (E. L. Eliel, Ed., Univ. of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, Ind. 1972). The invention additionally encompasses compounds described herein as individual isomers substantially free of other isomers, and alternatively, as mixtures of various isomers.

As used herein a pure enantiomeric compound is substantially free from other enantiomers or stereoisomers of the compound (i.e., in enantiomeric excess). In other words, an “S” form of the compound is substantially free from the “R” form of the compound and is, thus, in enantiomeric excess of the “R” form. The term “enantiomerically pure” or “pure enantiomer” denotes that the compound comprises more than 75% by weight, more than 80% by weight, more than 85% by weight, more than 90% by weight, more than 91% by weight, more than 92% by weight, more than 93% by weight, more than 94% by weight, more than 95% by weight, more than 96% by weight, more than 97% by weight, more than 98% by weight, more than 98.5% by weight, more than 99% by weight, more than 99.2% by weight, more than 99.5% by weight, more than 99.6% by weight, more than 99.7% by weight, more than 99.8% by weight or more than 99.9% by weight, of the enantiomer. In certain embodiments, the weights are based upon total weight of all enantiomers or stereoisomers of the compound.

In the compositions provided herein, an enantiomerically pure compound can be present with other active or inactive ingredients. For example, a pharmaceutical composition comprising enantiomerically pure R-compound can comprise, for example, about 90% excipient and about 10% enantiomerically pure R-compound. In certain embodiments, the enantiomerically pure R-compound in such compositions can, for example, comprise, at least about 95% by weight R-compound and at most about 5% by weight S-compound, by total weight of the compound. For example, a pharmaceutical composition comprising enantiomerically pure S-compound can comprise, for example, about 90% excipient and about 10% enantiomerically pure S-compound. In certain embodiments, the enantiomerically pure S-compound in such compositions can, for example, comprise, at least about 95% by weight S-compound and at most about 5% by weight R-compound, by total weight of the compound. In certain embodiments, the active ingredient can be formulated with little or no excipient or carrier.

Compound described herein may also comprise one or more isotopic substitutions. For example, H may be in any isotopic form, including ¹H, ²H (D or deuterium), and ³H (T or tritium); C may be in any isotopic form, including ¹²C, ¹³C, and ¹⁴C; O may be in any isotopic form, including ¹⁶O and ¹⁸O; and the like.

The following terms are intended to have the meanings presented therewith below and are useful in understanding the description and intended scope of the present invention. When describing the invention, which may include compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of using such compounds and compositions, the following terms, if present, have the following meanings unless otherwise indicated. It should also be understood that when described herein any of the moieties defined forth below may be substituted with a variety of substituents, and that the respective definitions are intended to include such substituted moieties within their scope as set out below. Unless otherwise stated, the term “substituted” is to be defined as set out below. It should be further understood that the terms “groups” and “radicals” can be considered interchangeable when used herein. The articles “a” and “an” may be used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. at least one) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example “an analogue” means one analogue or more than one analogue.

When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each value and sub-range within the range. For example “C₁₋₆ alkyl” is intended to encompass, C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₁₋₆, C₁₋₅, C₁₋₄, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₂, C₂₋₆, C₂₋₅, C₂₋₄, C₂₋₃, C₃₋₆, C₃₋₅, C₃₋₄, C₄₋₆, C₄₋₅, and C₅₋₆ alkyl.

“Alkyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched saturated hydrocarbon group, e.g., having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂₀ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₁₀ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 9 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₉ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₈ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 7 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₇ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₆ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 5 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₅ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₄ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₃ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 2 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 carbon atom (“C₁ alkyl”). Examples of C₁₋₆ alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, hexyl, and the like.

“Alkenyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon-carbon double bonds), and optionally one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon-carbon triple bonds) (“C₂₋₂₀ alkenyl”). In certain embodiments, alkenyl does not contain any triple bonds. In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 10 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₉ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₈ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 7 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₇ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₆ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 5 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₅ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₄ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkenyl”). The one or more carbon-carbon double bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butenyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butenyl). Examples of C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups include ethenyl (C₂), 1-propenyl (C₃), 2-propenyl (C₃), 1-butenyl (C₄), 2-butenyl (C₄), butadienyl (C₄), and the like. Examples of C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups include the aforementioned C₂₋₄ alkenyl groups as well as pentenyl (C₅), pentadienyl (C₅), hexenyl (C₆), and the like. Additional examples of alkenyl include heptenyl (C₇), octenyl (C₈), octatrienyl (C₈), and the like.

“Alkynyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon-carbon triple bonds), and optionally one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon-carbon double bonds) (“C₂₋₂₀ alkynyl”). In certain embodiments, alkynyl does not contain any double bonds. In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 10 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 9 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₉ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₈ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 7 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₇ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₆ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 5 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₅ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₄ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkynyl”). The one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butynyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butynyl). Examples of C₂₋₄ alkynyl groups include, without limitation, ethynyl (C₂), 1-propynyl (C₃), 2-propynyl (C₃), 1-butynyl (C₄), 2-butynyl (C₄), and the like. Examples of C₂₋₆ alkenyl groups include the aforementioned C₂₋₄ alkynyl groups as well as pentynyl (C₅), hexynyl (C₆), and the like. Additional examples of alkynyl include heptynyl (C₇), octynyl (C₈), and the like.

As used herein, “alkylene,” “alkenylene,” and “alkynylene,” refer to a divalent radical of an alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl group respectively. When a range or number of carbons is provided for a particular “alkylene,” “alkenylene,” or “alkynylene,” group, it is understood that the range or number refers to the range or number of carbons in the linear carbon divalent chain. “Alkylene,” “alkenylene,” and “alkynylene,” groups may be substituted or unsubstituted with one or more substituents as described herein.

“Aryl” refers to a radical of a monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic or tricyclic) 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6, 10, or 14 π electrons shared in a cyclic array) having 6-14 ring carbon atoms and zero heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system (“C₆₋₁₄ aryl”). In some embodiments, an aryl group has six ring carbon atoms (“C₆ aryl”; e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has ten ring carbon atoms (“C₁₀ aryl”; e.g., naphthyl such as 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has fourteen ring carbon atoms (“C₁₄ aryl”; e.g., anthracyl). “Aryl” also includes ring systems wherein the aryl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl groups wherein the radical or point of attachment is on the aryl ring, and in such instances, the number of carbon atoms continue to designate the number of carbon atoms in the aryl ring system. Typical aryl groups include, but are not limited to, groups derived from aceanthrylene, acenaphthylene, acephenanthrylene, anthracene, azulene, benzene, chrysene, coronene, fluoranthene, fluorene, hexacene, hexaphene, hexalene, as-indacene, s-indacene, indane, indene, naphthalene, octacene, octaphene, octalene, ovalene, penta-2,4-diene, pentacene, pentalene, pentaphene, perylene, phenalene, phenanthrene, picene, pleiadene, pyrene, pyranthrene, rubicene, triphenylene, and trinaphthalene. Particularly aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl, and tetrahydronaphthyl.

“Fused aryl” refers to an aryl having two of its ring carbon in common with a second aryl or heteroaryl ring or with a carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl ring.

“Heteroaryl” refers to a radical of a 5-10 membered monocyclic or bicyclic 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6 or 10 π electrons shared in a cyclic array) having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur (“5-10 membered heteroaryl”). In heteroaryl groups that contain one or more nitrogen atoms, the point of attachment can be a carbon or nitrogen atom, as valency permits. Heteroaryl bicyclic ring systems can include one or more heteroatoms in one or both rings. “Heteroaryl” includes ring systems wherein the heteroaryl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl groups wherein the point of attachment is on the heteroaryl ring, and in such instances, the number of ring members continue to designate the number of ring members in the heteroaryl ring system. “Heteroaryl” also includes ring systems wherein the heteroaryl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl groups wherein the point of attachment is either on the aryl or heteroaryl ring, and in such instances, the number of ring members designates the number of ring members in the fused (aryl/heteroaryl) ring system. Bicyclic heteroaryl groups wherein one ring does not contain a heteroatom (e.g., indolyl, quinolinyl, carbazolyl, and the like) the point of attachment can be on either ring, i.e., either the ring bearing a heteroatom (e.g., 2-indolyl) or the ring that does not contain a heteroatom (e.g., 5-indolyl).

In some embodiments, a heteroaryl group is a 5-10 membered aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-10 membered heteroaryl”). In some embodiments, a heteroaryl group is a 5-8 membered aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-8 membered heteroaryl”). In some embodiments, a heteroaryl group is a 5-6 membered aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-6 membered heteroaryl”). In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heteroaryl has 1-3 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heteroaryl has 1-2 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heteroaryl has 1 ring heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, pyrrolyl, furanyl and thiophenyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing two heteroatoms include, without limitation, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, and isothiazolyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing three heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, and thiadiazolyl. Exemplary 5-membered heteroaryl groups containing four heteroatoms include, without limitation, tetrazolyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, pyridinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing two heteroatoms include, without limitation, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, and pyrazinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heteroaryl groups containing three or four heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazinyl and tetrazinyl, respectively. Exemplary 7-membered heteroaryl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, azepinyl, oxepinyl, and thiepinyl. Exemplary 5,6-bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzothiophenyl, isobenzothiophenyl, benzofuranyl, benzoisofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzthiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzthiadiazolyl, indolizinyl, and purinyl. Exemplary 6,6-bicyclic heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalazinyl, and quinazolinyl.

Examples of representative heteroaryls include the following:

wherein each Z is selected from carbonyl, N, NR⁶⁵, O, and S; and R⁶⁵ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₈ alkyl, C₃-C₁₀ carbocyclyl, 4-10 membered heterocyclyl, C₆-C₁₀ aryl, and 5-10 membered heteroaryl.

“Carbocyclyl” or “carbocyclic” refers to a radical of a non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon group having from 3 to 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl”) and zero heteroatoms in the non-aromatic ring system. In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 8 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 3 to 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a carbocyclyl group has 5 to 10 ring carbon atoms (“C₅₋₁₀ carbocyclyl”). Exemplary C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl groups include, without limitation, cyclopropyl (C₃), cyclopropenyl (C₃), cyclobutyl (C₄), cyclobutenyl (C₄), cyclopentyl (C₅), cyclopentenyl (C₅), cyclohexyl (C₆), cyclohexenyl (C₆), cyclohexadienyl (C₆), and the like. Exemplary C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl groups include, without limitation, the aforementioned C₃₋₆ carbocyclyl groups as well as cycloheptyl (C₇), cycloheptenyl (C₇), cycloheptadienyl (C₇), cycloheptatrienyl (C₇), cyclooctyl (C₈), cyclooctenyl (C₈), bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl (C₇), bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl (C₈), and the like. Exemplary C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl groups include, without limitation, the aforementioned C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl groups as well as cyclononyl (C₉), cyclononenyl (C₉), cyclodecyl (C₁₀), cyclodecenyl (C₁₀), octahydro-1H-indenyl (C₉), decahydronaphthalenyl (C₁₀), spiro[4.5]decanyl (C₁₀), and the like. As the foregoing examples illustrate, in certain embodiments, the carbocyclyl group is either monocyclic (“monocyclic carbocyclyl”) or contain a fused, bridged or spiro ring system such as a bicyclic system (“bicyclic carbocyclyl”) and can be saturated or can be partially unsaturated. “Carbocyclyl” also includes ring systems wherein the carbocyclyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl or heteroaryl groups wherein the point of attachment is on the carbocyclyl ring, and in such instances, the number of carbons continue to designate the number of carbons in the carbocyclic ring system.

The term “cycloalkyl,” as used herein, refers to a monocyclic saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbon ring system, for example, having 3-8 or 3-6 carbon atoms in its ring system, referred to herein as C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl or C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, respectively. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclobutyl, and cyclopropyl.

“Heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic” refers to a radical of a 3- to 10-membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1 to 4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, boron, phosphorus, and silicon (“3-10 membered heterocyclyl”). In heterocyclyl groups that contain one or more nitrogen atoms, the point of attachment can be a carbon or nitrogen atom, as valency permits. A heterocyclyl group can either be monocyclic (“monocyclic heterocyclyl”) or a fused, bridged or spiro ring system such as a bicyclic system (“bicyclic heterocyclyl”), and can be saturated or can be partially unsaturated. Heterocyclyl bicyclic ring systems can include one or more heteroatoms in one or both rings. “Heterocyclyl” also includes ring systems wherein the heterocyclyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more carbocyclyl groups wherein the point of attachment is either on the carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl ring, or ring systems wherein the heterocyclyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein the point of attachment is on the heterocyclyl ring, and in such instances, the number of ring members continue to designate the number of ring members in the heterocyclyl ring system.

In some embodiments, a heterocyclyl group is a 5-10 membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, boron, phosphorus, and silicon (“5-10 membered heterocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a heterocyclyl group is a 5-8 membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-8 membered heterocyclyl”). In some embodiments, a heterocyclyl group is a 5-6 membered non-aromatic ring system having ring carbon atoms and 1-4 ring heteroatoms, wherein each heteroatom is independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (“5-6 membered heterocyclyl”). In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heterocyclyl has 1-3 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heterocyclyl has 1-2 ring heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In some embodiments, the 5-6 membered heterocyclyl has one ring heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.

Exemplary 3-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, azirdinyl, oxiranyl, thiorenyl. Exemplary 4-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, azetidinyl, oxetanyl and thietanyl. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, dihydrothiophenyl, pyrrolidinyl, dihydropyrrolyl and pyrrolyl-2,5-dione. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing two heteroatoms include, without limitation, dioxolanyl, oxasulfuranyl, disulfuranyl, and oxazolidin-2-one. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups containing three heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazolinyl, oxadiazolinyl, and thiadiazolinyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, piperidinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyridinyl, and thianyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing two heteroatoms include, without limitation, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, dithianyl, dioxanyl. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups containing two heteroatoms include, without limitation, triazinanyl. Exemplary 7-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, azepanyl, oxepanyl and thiepanyl. Exemplary 8-membered heterocyclyl groups containing one heteroatom include, without limitation, azocanyl, oxecanyl and thiocanyl. Exemplary 5-membered heterocyclyl groups fused to a C₆ aryl ring (also referred to herein as a 5,6-bicyclic heterocyclic ring) include, without limitation, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, dihydrobenzothienyl, benzoxazolinonyl, and the like. Exemplary 6-membered heterocyclyl groups fused to an aryl ring (also referred to herein as a 6,6-bicyclic heterocyclic ring) include, without limitation, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and the like.

“Hetero” when used to describe a compound or a group present on a compound means that one or more carbon atoms in the compound or group have been replaced by a nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur heteroatom. Hetero may be applied to any of the hydrocarbyl groups described above such as alkyl, e.g., heteroalkyl, carbocyclyl, e.g., heterocyclyl, aryl, e.g., heteroaryl, cycloalkenyl, e.g., cycloheteroalkenyl, and the like having from 1 to 5, and particularly from 1 to 3 heteroatoms.

“Cyano” refers to the radical —CN.

“Halo” or “halogen” refers to fluoro (F), chloro (Cl), bromo (Br), and iodo (I). In certain embodiments, the halo group is either fluoro or chloro.

“Haloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

“Nitro” refers to the radical —NO₂.

In general, the term “substituted”, whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, means that at least one hydrogen present on a group (e.g., a carbon or nitrogen atom) is replaced with a permissible substituent, e.g., a substituent which upon substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, or other reaction. Unless otherwise indicated, a “substituted” group has a substituent at one or more substitutable positions of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure is substituted, the substituent is either the same or different at each position.

A “counterion” or “anionic counterion” is a negatively charged group associated with a cationic quaternary amino group in order to maintain electronic neutrality. Exemplary counterions include halide ions (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻), NO₃ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, OH⁻, H₂PO₄ ⁻, HSO₄ ⁻, SO₄ ⁻²sulfonate ions (e.g., methansulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, 10-camphor sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate, naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid-5-sulfonate, ethan-1-sulfonic acid-2-sulfonate, and the like), and carboxylate ions (e.g., acetate, ethanoate, propanoate, benzoate, glycerate, lactate, tartrate, glycolate, and the like).

Nitrogen atoms can be substituted or unsubstituted as valency permits, and include primary, secondary, tertiary, and quarternary nitrogen atoms. Exemplary nitrogen atom substitutents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen, —OH, —OR^(aa), —N(R^(cc))₂, —CN, —C(═O)R^(aa), —C(═O)N(R^(cc))₂, —CO₂R^(aa), —SO₂R^(aa), —C(═NR^(bb))R^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))OR^(aa), —C(═NR^(cc))N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂N(R^(cc))₂, —SO₂R^(cc), —SO₂OR^(cc), —SOR^(aa), —C(═S)N(R^(cc))₂, —C(═O)SR^(cc), —C(═S)SR^(cc), —P(═O)₂R^(aa), —P(═O)(R^(aa))₂, —P(═O)₂N(R^(cc))₂, —P(═O)(NR^(cc))₂, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, C₁₋₁₀ perhaloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, 3-14 membered heterocyclyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and 5-14 membered heteroaryl, or two R^(cc) groups attached to a nitrogen atom are joined to form a 3-14 membered heterocyclyl or 5-14 membered heteroaryl ring, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is independently substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 R^(dd) groups, and wherein R^(aa), R^(bb), R^(cc) and R^(dd) are as defined above.

These and other exemplary substituents are described in more detail in the Detailed Description, Examples, and Claims. The invention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the above exemplary listing of substituents.

Other Definitions

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, Berge et al., describes pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences (1977) 66:1-19. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄alkyl)₄ salts. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, lower alkyl sulfonate, and aryl sulfonate.

A “subject” to which administration is contemplated includes, but is not limited to, humans (i.e., a male or female of any age group, e.g., a pediatric subject (e.g, infant, child, adolescent) or adult subject (e.g., young adult, middle-aged adult or senior adult)) and/or a non-human animal, e.g., a mammal such as primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus monkeys), cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, rodents, cats, and/or dogs. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human. In certain embodiments, the subject is a non-human animal. The terms “human,” “patient,” and “subject” are used interchangeably herein.

Disease, disorder, and condition are used interchangeably herein.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms “treat,” “treating” and “treatment” contemplate an action that occurs while a subject is suffering from the specified disease, disorder or condition, which reduces the severity of the disease, disorder or condition, or retards or slows the progression of the disease, disorder or condition (“therapeutic treatment”), and also contemplates an action that occurs before a subject begins to suffer from the specified disease, disorder or condition (“prophylactic treatment”).

In general, the “effective amount” of a compound refers to an amount sufficient to elicit the desired biological response. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in this art, the effective amount of a compound of the invention may vary depending on such factors as the desired biological endpoint, the pharmacokinetics of the compound, the disease being treated, the mode of administration, and the age, health, and condition of the subject. An effective amount encompasses therapeutic and prophylactic treatment.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, a “therapeutically effective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of a disease, disorder or condition, or to delay or minimize one or more symptoms associated with the disease, disorder or condition. A therapeutically effective amount of a compound means an amount of therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other therapies, which provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of the disease, disorder or condition. The term “therapeutically effective amount” can encompass an amount that improves overall therapy, reduces or avoids symptoms or causes of disease or condition, or enhances the therapeutic efficacy of another therapeutic agent.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, a “prophylactically effective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to prevent a disease, disorder or condition, or one or more symptoms associated with the disease, disorder or condition, or prevent its recurrence. A prophylactically effective amount of a compound means an amount of a therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other agents, which provides a prophylactic benefit in the prevention of the disease, disorder or condition. The term “prophylactically effective amount” can encompass an amount that improves overall prophylaxis or enhances the prophylactic efficacy of another prophylactic agent.

Compounds

In one aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶; A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or cyano, wherein alkyl or cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, X is CR⁶. In some embodiments, Y is CR⁶. In some embodiments, Z is CR⁶. In some embodiments, each of X, Y, and Z is independently CR⁶.

In some embodiments, one of X, Y, and Z is N. In some embodiments, Y is N. In some embodiments, Y is N and X is CR⁶. In some embodiments, Y is N and Z is CR⁶. In some embodiments, Y is N and each of X and Z is independently CR⁶. In some embodiments, R⁶ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, Z is N. In some embodiments, Z is N and X is CR⁶. In some embodiments, Z is N and Y is CR⁶. In some embodiments, Z is N and each of X and Y is independently CR⁶. In some embodiments, R⁶ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, A is aryl. In some embodiments, A is 6-membered aryl (e.g., phenyl).

In some embodiments, A is heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is 6-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl).

In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the para position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the meta position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the ortho position.

In some embodiments, each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl) or substituted alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In some embodiments, R³ is substituted C₁ alkyl (e.g., wherein the C₁ alkyl is substituted with R⁵, e.g. alkyl (e.g., methyl), halo (e.g., fluoro), cyano, carbocyclyl (e.g., cyclopropyl), or —OR^(c) (e.g., —OCH₃)). In some embodiments, R⁵ is carbocyclyl, cyano, or OR^(c). In some embodiments, R⁵ is cyclopropyl, cyano, or OCH₃.

In some embodiments, A is substituted with at least one R³, and each R³ is cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵.

In some embodiments, R³ is halo (e.g., fluoro).

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R^(c) is branched alkyl. In some embodiments, R^(c) is branched haloalkyl. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃, —OCH₃, —OCH(CH₃)(CF₃), or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃ or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R¹ is cyano. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R² is cyano. In some embodiments, R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl). In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R² is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen and R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (II) is not:

pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, a compound of Formula (Ha):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶, wherein at least one of X, Y, and Z is N;

A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³;

each of R¹ and R² is independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴;

each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH, wherein the compound is not one of the following:

pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, X is N, Y is CR⁶ (e.g., CH), and Z is CR⁶ (e.g., CH). In some embodiments, Y is N, X is CR⁶ (e.g., CH), and Z is CR⁶ (e.g., CH). In some embodiments, Z is N, X is CR⁶ (e.g., CH), and Y is CR⁶ (e.g., CH).

In some embodiments, A is aryl. In some embodiments, A is 6-membered aryl (e.g., phenyl).

In some embodiments, A is heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is 6-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl).

In some embodiments, A is

In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the para position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the meta position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the ortho position.

In some embodiments, A is substituted with at least one R³, and each R³ is cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵.

In some embodiments, each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl) or substituted alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In some embodiments, R³ is substituted C₁ alkyl (e.g., wherein the C₁ alkyl is substituted with R⁵, e.g. alkyl (e.g., methyl), halo (e.g., fluoro), cyano, carbocyclyl (e.g., cyclopropyl), or —OR^(c) (e.g., —OCH₃)). In some embodiments, R⁵ is carbocyclyl, cyano, or OR^(c). In some embodiments, R⁵ is cyclopropyl, cyano, or OCH₃.

In some embodiments, R³ is halo (e.g., fluoro).

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R^(c) is branched alkyl. In some embodiments, R^(c) is branched haloalkyl. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃, —OCH₃, —OCH(CH₃)(CF₃), or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃ or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R¹ is cyano. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R² is cyano. In some embodiments, R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl). In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R² is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen and R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (III):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or cyano, wherein at least one of R¹ and R² is alkyl, wherein each alkyl or cycloalkyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, A is 6-membered aryl (e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, A is 6-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl).

In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the para position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the meta position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the ortho position.

In some embodiments, each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl) or substituted alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In some embodiments, R³ is substituted C₁ alkyl (e.g., wherein the C₁ alkyl is substituted with R⁵, e.g., alkyl (e.g., methyl), halo (e.g., fluoro), cyano, carbocyclyl, or —OR^(c) (e.g., —OCH₃)). In some embodiments, R⁵ is carbocyclyl, cyano, or OR^(c). In some embodiments, R⁵ is cyclopropyl, cyano, or OCH₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R³ is halo (e.g., fluoro).

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃, —OCH₃, —OCH(CH₃)(CF₃), or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃ or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R¹ is cyano. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R² is cyano. In some embodiments, R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl). In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R² is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen and R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is not:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, provided is a compound of Formula (III-a):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is 6-membered aryl or 6-membered heteroaryl substituted by one or more R³; R¹ is alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; R² is hydrogen, alkyl, or cyano, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, A is aryl (e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, A is heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered heteroaryl. In some embodiments, A is a nitrogen-containing heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl).

In some embodiments, A is substituted by one or more R³. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the para position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the meta position. In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl and is substituted by R³ in the ortho position.

In some embodiments, each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, or —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is alkyl (e.g., C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl) or substituted alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl. In some embodiments, R³ is substituted C₁ alkyl (e.g., wherein the C₁ alkyl is substituted with alkyl (e.g., methyl), halo (e.g., fluoro), cyano, carbocyclyl, or —OR^(c) (e.g., —OCH₃)). In some embodiments, R⁵ is carbocyclyl, cyano, or OR^(c). In some embodiments, R⁵ is cyclopropyl, cyano, or OCH₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R³ is halo (e.g., fluoro).

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃, —OCH₃, —OCH(CH₃)(CF₃), or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃ or —OCH₂CF₃. In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R² is cyano. In some embodiments, R² is alkyl. In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl). In some embodiments, R² is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R² is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (II-a) is not:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (IIIb):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

R¹ is cyano, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen,

R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, or cyano,

each R³ and R⁴ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein the C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, and 3-8 membered heterocyclyl are with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 5-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 5-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH, wherein the compound is not:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ haloalkyl or C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂CF, —CCl₃, cyclopropyl optionally substituted with one or two Fs.

In other embodiments, R¹ is CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen or cyano.

In certain embodiments, each R³ an R⁴ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, or —OR^(c).

In other embodiments, each R³ and R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, 3 to 8 membered heterocyclyl, —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂.

In some embodiments, each R³ and R⁴ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, or C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl.

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen; C₃₋₈carbocyclyl; and —OR^(c).

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In some embodiments, m is 0.

In certain embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In some embodiments, each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 5-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 5-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷.

In other embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (IV):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halo, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, A is 6-membered aryl (e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl substituted by R³ in the para position.

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (IVa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

A is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by one or more R³;

each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴;

each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH;

and each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl.

In some embodiments, A is aryl.

In other embodiments, A is phenyl.

In certain embodiments, A is phenyl substituted by 1 R³.

In some embodiments, A is phenyl substituted by 1 R³ in the para position.

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen; C₃₋₈carbocyclyl; and —OR^(c).

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In some embodiments, m is 0.

In other embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In certain embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c).

In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In other embodiments, R¹ is alkyl substituted with 1-4 R⁴.

In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃ and R² is hydrogen.

In other embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of formula (IVb):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, or cyano, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁵;

R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, or cyano, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁵;

R³ is independently C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, and 3-8 membered heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH;

and each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more halogen.

In other embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, or cyclopropyl optionally substituted with one or two Fs.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen or cyano.

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen; C₃₋₈carbocyclyl; and —OR^(c).

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In some embodiments, m is 0.

In other embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In certain embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (V):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, A is 6-membered aryl (e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl substituted by R³ in the para position.

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound of formula (Va):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, cyano, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁵;

R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, or cyano, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁵;

R³ is independently C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, and 3-8 membered heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH;

and each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more halogen.

In other embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂CF, or cyclopropyl or cyclopentyl substituted with one or two Fs.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen, cyano, or methyl.

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen; C₃₋₈carbocyclyl; and —OR^(c).

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In some embodiments, m is 0.

In other embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In certain embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention features a compound of Formula (VI):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein A is aryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, A is 6-membered aryl (e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, A is a 6-membered aryl substituted by R³ in the para position.

In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c). In some embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is alkyl (e.g., substituted alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl). In some embodiments, R³ is —OCF₃.

In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is unsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., —CH₃). In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl), substituted with 1-4 R⁴ (e.g., halo, e.g., fluoro). In some embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is alkyl and R² is hydrogen.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (VIa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, cyano, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁵;

R² is hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, or cyano, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁵;

R³ is independently C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein each C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, and 3-8 membered heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH;

and each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆alkyl.

In some embodiments, R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more halogen.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂CF, or cyclopropyl or cyclopentyl substituted with one or two Fs.

In other embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃.

In some embodiments, R² is hydrogen or cyano.

In certain embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen; C₃₋₈carbocyclyl; and —OR^(c).

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In some embodiments, m is 0.

In certain embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In other embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a compound of formula VIIa:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen,

R² is hydrogen, cyano, or C₁₋₆ haloalkyl,

R³ is selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, —OR^(c), —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), and —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH,

wherein the compound is not:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CH₃, CF₃, CHF₂, and cyclopropyl.

In other embodiments, R¹ is CF₃.

In certain embodiments, R² is cyano or C₁₋₆ haloalkyl.

In some embodiments, R² is cyano.

In other embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In certain embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with cyano or CF₃.

In some embodiments, R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, —CH₂CF₃,

In other embodiments, m is 0.

In some embodiments, m is 1 or 2, and R² is cyano or C₁₋₆haloalkyl.

In certain embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In some embodiments, the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a compound represented by:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

X, Y, and X are independently N or CH, wherein at least one of X, Y, and Z is N;

R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen,

R² is hydrogen, cyano, or C₁₋₆ haloalkyl,

R³ is selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, —OR^(c), —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), and —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CH₃, CF₃, CHF₂, and cyclopropyl.

In other embodiments, R¹ is CF₃.

In certain embodiments, R² is cyano.

In some embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In other embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with cyano or CF₃.

In certain embodiments, R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, —CH₂CF₃,

In some embodiments, m is 0.

In other embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In certain embodiments, the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A compound represented by:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

X, Y, and X are independently N or CH,

R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen,

R² is hydrogen, cyano, or C₁₋₆haloalkyl,

R³ is selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, —OR^(c), —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), and —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

m is 0, 1, or 2;

R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CH₃, CF₃, CHF₂, and cyclopropyl.

In other embodiments, R¹ is CF₃.

In certain embodiments, R² is cyano.

In some embodiments, R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.

In other embodiments, R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with cyano or CF₃.

In some embodiments, R^(c) is selected from the group consisting of: —CF₃, —CH₂CF₃,

In certain embodiments, m is 0.

In other embodiments, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, F, —OMe, and —CH₂—OMe.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII) is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of Treatment

Described herein are compounds and compositions thereof and their use to treat a disease, disorder, or condition relating to aberrant function of a sodium channel ion channel, e.g., abnormal late sodium (INaL) current. In some embodiments, a compound provided by the present invention is effective in the treatment of epilepsy or an epilepsy syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, pain, or a neuromuscular disorder. Compounds of the invention may also modulate all sodium ion channels, or may be specific to only one or a plurality of sodium ion channels, e.g., Nay 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9.

In typical embodiments, the present invention is intended to encompass the compounds disclosed herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable esters, tautomeric forms, polymorphs, and prodrugs of such compounds. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, a hydrate of an addition salt, a tautomeric form, a polymorph, an enantiomer, a mixture of enantiomers, a stereoisomer or mixture of stereoisomers (pure or as a racemic or non-racemic mixture) of a compound described herein, e.g. a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII); such as a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII) named herein.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurological disorder or a psychiatric disorder, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶;

A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³;

each of R¹ and R² is independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halo, or cyano, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴;

each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a neurological disorder or a psychiatric disorder, wherein the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I-2):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶;

A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³;

each of R¹ and R² is independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein each alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴;

each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵;

each of R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c);

each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c);

each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷;

each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and

each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

In some embodiments, the neurological disorder is epilepsy.

In other embodiments, the neurological disorder is an epileptic encephalopathy.

In certain embodiments, the epileptic encephalopathy comprises Dravet syndrome, infantile spasms, or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

In some embodiments, A is aryl (e.g., phenyl).

In other embodiments, A is phenyl substituted by 1-3 R³ (e.g., wherein at least 1 R³ is in the para position).

In certain embodiments, A is heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl).

In some embodiments, A is pyridyl substituted by 1-3 R³ (e.g., wherein at least 1 R³ is in the para position).

In certain embodiments, each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, carbocyclyl, or —OR^(c).

In other embodiments, at least one R³ is alkyl or —OR^(c) (e.g., —OCF₃)

In some embodiments, each of R¹ and R² is independently alkyl (e.g., substituted with 1-4 R⁴).

In certain embodiments, R¹ is alkyl (e.g., substituted with 1-4 R⁴) and R² is hydrogen.

In other embodiments, R¹ is —CF₃ and R² is hydrogen.

In some embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, the compound is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Epilepsy and Epilepsy Syndromes

The compounds described herein are useful in the treatment of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes. Epilepsy is a CNS disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness. Seizure symptoms will vary widely, from a simple blank stare for a few seconds to repeated twitching of their arms or legs during a seizure.

Epilepsy may involve a generalized seizure or a partial or focal seizure. All areas of the brain are involved in a generalized seizure. A person experiencing a generalized seizure may cry out or make some sound, stiffen for several seconds to a minute a then have rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. The eyes are generally open, the person may appear not to be breathing and actually turn blue. The return to consciousness is gradual and the person maybe confused from minutes to hours. There are six main types of generalized seizures: tonic-clonic, tonic, clonic, myoclonic, absence, and atonic seizures. In a partial or focal seizure, only part of the brain is involved, so only part of the body is affected. Depending on the part of the brain having abnormal electrical activity, symptoms may vary.

Epilepsy, as described herein, includes a generalized, partial, complex partial, tonic clonic, clonic, tonic, refractory seizures, status epilepticus, absence seizures, febrile seizures, or temporal lobe epilepsy.

The compounds described herein may also be useful in the treatment of epilepsy syndromes. Severe syndromes with diffuse brain dysfunction caused, at least partly, by some aspect of epilepsy, are also referred to as epileptic encephalopathies. These are associated with frequent seizures that are resistant to treatment and severe cognitive dysfunction, for instance West syndrome.

In some embodiments, the epilepsy syndrome comprises an epileptic encephalopathy, such as Dravet syndrome, Angelman syndrome, CDKL5 disorder, frontal lobe epilepsy, infantile spasms, West's syndrome, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Ohtahara syndrome, FCDH19 epilepsy, or Glut1 deficiency.

In some embodiments, the epilepsy or epilepsy syndrome is a genetic epilepsy or a genetic epilepsy syndrome. In some embodiments, epilepsy or an epilepsy syndrome comprises epileptic encephalopathy, epileptic encephalopathy with SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A mutations, early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, Dravet syndrome, Dravet syndrome with SCN1A mutation, generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures, intractable childhood epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, infantile spasms, benign familial neonatal-infantile seizures, SCN2A epileptic encephalopathy, focal epilepsy with SCN3A mutation, cryptogenic pediatric partial epilepsy with SCN3A mutation, SCN8A epileptic encephalopathy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, Rasmussen encephalitis, malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, sudden expected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy, or KCNT1 epileptic encephalopathy.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein further comprise identifying a subject having epilepsy or an epilepsy syndrome (e.g., epileptic encephalopathy, epileptic encephalopathy with SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A mutations, early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, Dravet syndrome, Dravet syndrome with SCN1A mutation, generalized Epilepsy with febrile seizures, intractable childhood epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, infantile spasms, benign familial neonatal-infantile seizures, SCN2A epileptic encephalopathy, focal epilepsy with SCN3A mutation, cryptogenic pediatric partial epilepsy with SCN3A mutation, SCN8A epileptic encephalopathy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, Rasmussen encephalitis, malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, sudden expected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy, or KCNT1 epileptic encephalopathy) prior to administration of a compound described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)).

In one aspect, the present invention features a method of treating epilepsy or an epilepsy syndrome (e.g., epileptic encephalopathy, epileptic encephalopathy with SCN1A, SCN2A, SCN8A mutations, early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, Dravet syndrome, Dravet syndrome with SCN1A mutation, generalized Epilepsy with febrile seizures, intractable childhood epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, infantile spasms, benign familial neonatal-infantile seizures, SCN2A epileptic encephalopathy, focal epilepsy with SCN3A mutation, cryptogenic pediatric partial epilepsy with SCN3A mutation, SCN8A epileptic encephalopathy, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, Rasmussen encephalitis, malignant migrating partial seizures of infancy, autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, sudden expected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), KCNQ2 epileptic encephalopathy, or KCNT1 epileptic encephalopathy) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I-2):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶; A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH.

A compound of the present invention (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)) may also be used to treat an epileptic encephalopathy, wherein the subject has a mutation in one or more of ALDH7A1, ALG13, ARHGEF9, ARX, ASAH1, CDKL5, CHD2, CHRNA2, CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CLN8, CNTNAP2, CPA6, CSTB, DEPDC5, DNM1, EEF1A2, EPM2A, EPM2B, GABRA1, GABRB3, GABRG2, GNAO1, GOSR2, GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, HCN1, IER3IP1, KCNA2, KCNB1, KCNC1, KCNMA1, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNT1, KCTD7, LGI1, MEF2C, NHLRC1, PCDH19, PLCB1, PNKP, PNPO, PRICKLE1, PRICKLE2, PRRT2, RELN, SCARB2, SCN1A, SCN1B, SCN2A, SCN8A, SCN9A, SIAT9, SIK1, SLC13A5, SLC25A22, SLC2A1, SLC35A2, SLC6A1, SNIP1, SPTAN1, SRPX2, ST3GAL3, STRADA, STX1B, STXBP1, SYN1, SYNGAP1, SZT2, TBC1D24, and WWOX.

In some embodiments, the methods described herein further comprise identifying a subject having a mutation in one or more of ALDH7A1, ALG13, ARHGEF9, ARX, ASAH1, CDKL5, CHD2, CHRNA2, CHRNA4, CHRNB2, CLN8, CNTNAP2, CPA6, CSTB, DEPDC5, DNM1, EEF1A2, EPM2A, EPM2B, GABRA1, GABRB3, GABRG2, GNAO1, GOSR2, GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, HCN1, IER3IP1, KCNA2, KCNB1, KCNC1, KCNMA1, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNT1, KCTD7, LGI1, MEF2C, NHLRC1, PCDH19, PLCB1, PNKP, PNPO, PRICKLE1, PRICKLE2, PRRT2, RELN, SCARB2, SCN1A, SCN1B, SCN2A, SCN8A, SCN9A, SIAT9, SIK1, SLC13A5, SLC25A22, SLC2A1, SLC35A2, SLC6A1, SNIP1, SPTAN1, SRPX2, ST3GAL3, STRADA, STX1B, STXBP1, SYN1, SYNGAP1, SZT2, TBC1D24, and WWOX prior to administration of a compound described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)).

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The compounds described herein may be useful in the treatment of a neurodevelopmental disorder. In some embodiments, the neurodevelopmental disorder comprises autism, autism with epilepsy, tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, 22q13.3 Deletion syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, or a neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy. In some embodiments, the methods described herein further comprise identifying a subject having a neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism, autism with epilepsy, tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, 22q13.3 Deletion syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, or a neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy) prior to administration of a compound described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)).

In one aspect, the present invention features a method of treating a neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism, autism with epilepsy, tuberous sclerosis, Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, 22q13.3 Deletion syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, or a neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶; A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH. Pain

The compounds described herein may be useful in the treatment of pain. In some embodiments, the pain comprises neuropathic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine type 3, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, cerebellar ataxia, or a related headache disorder. In some embodiments, the methods described herein further comprise identifying a subject having pain (e.g., neuropathic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine type 3, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, cerebellar ataxia, or a related headache disorder) prior to administration of a compound described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (1-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)).

In one aspect, the present invention features a method of treating pain (e.g., neuropathic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine, familial hemiplegic migraine type 3, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, cerebellar ataxia, or a related headache disorder) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶; A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH. Neuromuscular Disorders

The compounds described herein may be useful in the treatment of a neuromuscular disorder. In some embodiments, the neuromuscular disorder comprises amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosism, myotonia, paramyotonia congenita, potassium-aggravated myotonia, periodic paralysis, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypokalemic periodic paralysis, or laryngospasm with SCN4A mutation. In some embodiments, the methods described herein further comprise identifying a subject having a neuromuscular disorder (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosism, myotonia, paramyotonia congenita, potassium-aggravated myotonia, periodic paralysis, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypokalemic periodic paralysis, or laryngospasm with SCN4A mutation) prior to administration of a compound described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (1-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)).

In one aspect, the present invention features a method of treating a neuromuscular disorder (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosism, myotonia, paramyotonia congenita, potassium-aggravated myotonia, periodic paralysis, hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypokalemic periodic paralysis, or laryngospasm with SCN4A mutation) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a compound of Formula (I-2):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of X, Y, and Z is independently N or CR⁶; A is aryl or heteroaryl (e.g., 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl), optionally substituted by one or more R³; each of R¹ and R² is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or cyano, wherein alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁴; each R³ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, —OR^(c), —SR^(c), —N(R^(d))₂, —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), or —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein alkyl, carbocyclyl, and heterocyclyl are optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; each R⁴ and R⁵ is independently alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R⁶ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, halo, cyano, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, wherein alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylene-cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and each R⁷ is independently alkyl, haloalkyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH. Other Disorders

In some embodiments, a compound of the present invention (e.g., a compound of Formulae (I), (I-2), (II), (IIa), (III), (IIIa), (IIIb), (IV), (IVa), (IVb), (V), (Va), (VI), (VIa), (VIIa), (VIIb), (VIII)) may have appropriate pharmacokinetic properties such that they may active with regard to the central and/or peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the compounds provided herein are used to treat a cardiovascular disease such as atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, Prinzmetal's (variant) angina, stable angina, unstable angina, ischemia and reperfusion injury in cardiac, kidney, liver and the brain, exercise induced angina, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart disease including diastolic and systolic heart failure, and myocardial infarction. In some embodiments, the compounds provided herein may be used in the treatment of diseases affecting the neuromuscular system resulting in itching, seizures, or paralysis, or in the treatment of diabetes or reduced insulin sensitivity, and disease states related to diabetes, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

In any and all aspects, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) or (I-2) is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In any and all aspects, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) or (I-2) is selected from:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical Compositions and Routes of Administration

Compounds provided in accordance with the present invention are usually administered in the form of pharmaceutical compositions. This invention therefore provides pharmaceutical compositions that contain, as the active ingredient, one or more of the compounds described, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, including inert solid diluents and fillers, diluents, including sterile aqueous solution and various organic solvents, permeation enhancers, solubilizers and adjuvants. The pharmaceutical compositions may be administered alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents. Such compositions are prepared in a manner well known in the pharmaceutical art (see, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mace Publishing Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 17th Ed. (1985); and Modern Pharmaceutics, Marcel Dekker, Inc. 3rd Ed. (G. S. Banker & C. T. Rhodes, Eds.)

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be administered in either single or multiple doses by any of the accepted modes of administration of agents having similar utilities, for example as described in those patents and patent applications incorporated by reference, including rectal, buccal, intranasal and transdermal routes, by intra-arterial injection, intravenously, intraperitoneally, parenterally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, orally, topically, as an inhalant, or via an impregnated or coated device such as a stent, for example, or an artery-inserted cylindrical polymer.

One mode for administration is parenteral, particularly by injection. The forms in which the novel compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration by injection include aqueous or oil suspensions, or emulsions, with sesame oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, or peanut oil, as well as elixirs, mannitol, dextrose, or a sterile aqueous solution, and similar pharmaceutical vehicles. Aqueous solutions in saline are also conventionally used for injection, but less preferred in the context of the present invention. Ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like (and suitable mixtures thereof), cyclodextrin derivatives, and vegetable oils may also be employed. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating a compound according to the present invention in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various other ingredients as enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the various sterilized active ingredients into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum-drying and freeze-drying techniques which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.

Oral administration is another route for administration of compounds in accordance with the invention. Administration may be via capsule or enteric coated tablets, or the like. In making the pharmaceutical compositions that include at least one compound described herein, the active ingredient is usually diluted by an excipient and/or enclosed within such a carrier that can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or other container. When the excipient serves as a diluent, it can be in the form of a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material (as above), which acts as a vehicle, carrier or medium for the active ingredient. Thus, the compositions can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols (as a solid or in a liquid medium), ointments containing, for example, up to 10% by weight of the active compound, soft and hard gelatin capsules, sterile injectable solutions, and sterile packaged powders.

Some examples of suitable excipients include lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, sterile water, syrup, and methyl cellulose. The formulations can additionally include: lubricating agents such as talc, magnesium stearate, and mineral oil; wetting agents; emulsifying and suspending agents; preserving agents such as methyl and propylhydroxy-benzoates; sweetening agents; and flavoring agents.

The compositions of the invention can be Formulated so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient after administration to the patient by employing procedures known in the art Controlled release drag delivery systems for oral administration include osmotic pump systems and dissolutional systems containing polymer-coated reservoirs or drug-polymer matrix formulations. Examples of controlled release systems are given in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,845,770; 4,326,525; 4,902,514; and 5,616,345. Another formulation for use in the methods of the present invention employs transdermal delivery devices (“patches”). Such transdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuous infusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlled amounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,023,252, 4,992,445 and 5,001,139. Such patches may be constructed for continuous, pulsatile, or on demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

The compositions are preferably Formulated in a unit dosage form. The term “unit dosage forms” refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and other mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceutical excipient (e.g., a tablet, capsule, ampoule). The compounds are generally administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. Preferably, for oral administration, each dosage unit contains from 1 mg to 2 g of a compound described herein, and for parenteral administration, preferably from 0.1 to 700 mg of a compound a compound described herein. It will be understood, however, that the amount of the compound actually administered usually will be determined by a physician, in the light of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compound administered and its relative activity, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the like.

For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical excipient to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present invention. When referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules.

The tablets or pills of the present invention may be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action, or to protect from the acid conditions of the stomach. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer that serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permit the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol, and cellulose acetate.

Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions and suspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents, or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions may contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as described supra. Preferably, the compositions are administered by the oral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic effect. Compositions in preferably pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be nebulized by use of inert gases. Nebulized solutions may be inhaled directly from the nebulizing device or the nebulizing device may be attached to a facemask tent, or intermittent positive pressure breathing machine. Solution, suspension, or powder compositions may be administered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices that deliver the formulation in an appropriate manner.

Combination Therapy

A compound or composition described herein (e.g., for use in modulating a sodium ion channel, e.g., the late sodium (INaL) current) may be administered in combination with another agent or therapy. A subject to be administered a compound disclosed herein may have a disease, disorder, or condition, or a symptom thereof, that would benefit from treatment with another agent or therapy. These diseases or conditions can relate to epilepsy or an epilepsy syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, pain, or a neuromuscular disorder.

Antiepilepsy Agents

Anti-epilepsy agents include brivaracetam, carbamazepine, clobazam, clonazepam, diazepam, divalproex, eslicarbazepine, ethosuximide, ezogabine, felbamate, gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, lorazepam, oxcarbezepine, permpanel, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pregabalin, primidone, ruftnamide, tigabine, topiramate, valproic acid, vigabatrin, zonisamide.

Cardiovascular Agent Combination Therapy

Cardiovascular related diseases or conditions that can benefit from a combination treatment of the sodium channel blockers of the invention with other therapeutic agents include, without limitation, angina including stable angina, unstable angina (UA), exercised-induced angina, variant angina, arrhythmias, intermittent claudication, myocardial infarction including non-STE myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), pulmonary hypertension including pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure including congestive (or chronic) heart failure and diastolic heart failure and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (diastolic dysfunction), acute heart failure, or recurrent ischemia.

Therapeutic agents suitable for treating cardiovascular related diseases or conditions include anti-anginals, heart failure agents, antithrombotic agents, antiarrhythmic agents, antihypertensive agents, and lipid lowering agents.

The co-administration of the sodium channel blockers of the invention with therapeutic agents suitable for treating cardiovascular related conditions allows enhancement in the standard of care therapy the patient is currently receiving.

Anti-Anginals

Anti-anginals include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates. Beta blockers reduce the heart's need for oxygen by reducing its workload resulting in a decreased heart rate and less vigorous heart contraction. Examples of beta-blockers include acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), betaxolol (Kerlone), bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), esmolol (Brevibloc), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and timolol (Blocadren).

Nitrates dilate the arteries and veins thereby increasing coronary blood flow and decreasing blood pressure. Examples of nitrates include nitroglycerin, nitrate patches, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide-5-mononitrate.

Calcium channel blockers prevent the normal flow of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels causing the blood vessels to relax thereby increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart Examples of calcium channel blockers include amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel), bepridil (Vascor), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), and nicardipine.

Heart Failure Agents

Agents used to treat heart failure include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, and cardiac glycosides. Diuretics eliminate excess fluids in the tissues and circulation thereby relieving many of the symptoms of heart failure. Examples of diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone (Zaroxolyn), furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), spironolactone (Aldactone), and eplerenone (Inspra).

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce the workload on the heart by expanding the blood vessels and decreasing resistance to blood flow. Examples of ACE inhibitors include benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik).

Vasodilators reduce pressure on the blood vessels by making them relax and expand. Examples of vasodilators include hydralazine, diazoxide, prazosin, clonidine, and methyldopa. ACE inhibitors, nitrates, potassium channel activators, and calcium channel blockers also act as vasodilators.

Cardiac glycosides are compounds that increase the force of the heart's contractions. These compounds strengthen the pumping capacity of the heart and improve irregular heartbeat activity. Examples of cardiac glycosides include digitalis, digoxin, and digitoxin.

Antithrombotic Agents

Antithrombotics inhibit the clotting ability of the blood. There are three main types of antithrombotics—platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic agents.

Platelet inhibitors inhibit the clotting activity of platelets, thereby reducing clotting in the arteries. Examples of platelet inhibitors include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ticlopidine, clopidogrel (plavix), dipyridamole, cilostazol, persantine sulfinpyrazone, dipyridamole, indomethacin, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, such as abciximab, tirofiban, and eptifibatide (Integrelin). Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers also have a platelet-inhibiting effect.

Anticoagulants prevent blood clots from growing larger and prevent the formation of new clots. Examples of anticoagulants include bivalirudin (Angiomax), warfarin (Coumadin), unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, danaparoid, lepirudin, and argatroban.

Thrombolytic agents act to break down an existing blood clot. Examples of thrombolytic agents include streptokinase, urokinase, and tenecteplase (TNK), and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA).

Antiarrhythmic Agents

Antiarrhythmic agents are used to treat disorders of the heart rate and rhythm. Examples of antiarrhythmic agents include amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine, procainamide, lidocaine, and propafenone. Cardiac glycosides and beta blockers are also used as antiarrhythmic agents.

Combinations with amiodarone and dronedarone are of particular interest given the recently discovered synergistic effects of the sodium channel blocker ranolazine and amioarone and dronedarone.

Antihypertensive Agents

Antihypertensive agents are used to treat hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Hypertension is associated with many aspects of cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and clot for illation. Examples of antihypertensive agents include alpha-1-adrenergic antagonists, such as prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin mesylate (Cardura), prazosin hydrochloride (Minipress), prazosin, polythiazide (Minizide), and terazosin hydrochloride (Hytrin); beta-adrenergic antagonists, such as propranolol (Inderal), nadolol (Corgard), timolol (Blocadren), metoprolol (Lopressor), and pindolol (Visken); central alpha-adrenoceptor agonists, such as clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres), clonidine hydrochloride and chlorthalidone (Clorpres, Combipres), guanabenz Acetate (Wytensin), guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex), methyldopa (Aldomet), methyldopa and chlorothiazide (Aldoclor), methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide (Aldoril); combined alpha/beta-adrenergic antagonists, such as labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), Carvedilol (Coreg); adrenergic neuron blocking agents, such as guanethidine (ismelin), reserpine (Serpasil); central nervous system-acting antihypertensives, such as clonidine (Catapres), methyldopa (Aldomet), guanabenz (Wytensin); anti-angiotensin II agents; ACE inhibitors, such as perindopril (Aceon) captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Rrinivil, Zestril); angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, such as Candesartan (Atacand), Eprosartan (Teveten), Irbesartan (Avapro), Losartan (Cozaar), Telmisartan (Micardis), Valsartan (Diovan); calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); diuretics; direct vasodilators, such as nitroprusside (Nipride), diazoxide (Hyperstat IV), hydralazine (Apresoline), minoxidil (Loniten), verapamil; and potassium channel activators, such as aprikalim, bimakalim, cromakalim, emakalim, nicorandil, and pinacidil.

Lipid Lowering Agents

Lipid lowering agents are used to lower the amounts of cholesterol or fatty sugars present in the blood. Examples of lipid lowering agents include bezafibrate (Bezalip), ciprofibrate (Modalim), and statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescot), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), mevastatin, pitavastatin (Livalo, Pitava) pravastatin (Lipostat), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).

In this invention, the patient presenting with an acute coronary disease event often suffers from secondary medical conditions such as one or more of a metabolic disorder, a pulmonary disorder, a peripheral vascular disorder, or a gastrointestinal disorder. Such patients can benefit from treatment of a combination therapy comprising administering to the patient ranolazine in combination with at least one therapeutic agent.

Pulmonary Disorders Combination Therapy

Pulmonary disorder refers to any disease or condition related to the lungs. Examples of pulmonary disorders include, without limitation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and emphysema.

Examples of therapeutics agents used to treat pulmonary disorders include bronchodilators including beta2 agonists and anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and electrolyte supplements. Specific examples of therapeutic agents used to treat pulmonary disorders include epinephrine, terbutaline (Brethaire, Bricanyl), albuterol (Rroventil), salmeterol (Serevent, Serevent Diskus), theophylline, ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), tiotropium (Spiriva), methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol, Medrol), magnesium, and potassium.

Metabolic Disorders Combination Therapy

Examples of metabolic disorders include, without limitation, diabetes, including type I and type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, elevated serum cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides.

Examples of therapeutic agents used to treat metabolic disorders include antihypertensive agents and lipid lowering agents, as described in the section “Cardiovascular Agent Combination Therapy” above. Additional therapeutic agents used to treat metabolic disorders include insulin, sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and incretin mimetics.

Peripheral Vascular Disorders Combination Therapy

Peripheral vascular disorders are disorders related to the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain, including, for example peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders Combination Therapy

Gastrointestinal disorders refer to diseases and conditions associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Examples of gastrointestinal disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenteritis, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, and pancreatitis.

Examples of therapeutic agents used to treat gastrointestinal disorders include proton pump inhibitors, such as pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole; H2 blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid); prostaglandins, such as misoprostoL (Cytotec); sucralfate; and antacids.

Antibiotics, Analgesics, Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Agents Combination Therapy

Patients presenting with an acute coronary disease event may exhibit conditions that benefit from administration of therapeutic agent or agents that are antibiotics, analgesics, antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents in combination with ranolazine.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are therapeutic agents that kill, or stop the growth of, microorganisms, including both bacteria and fungi. Example of antibiotic agents include .beta.-Lactam antibiotics, including penicillins (amoxicillin), cephalosporins, such as cefazolin, cefuroxime, cefadroxil (Duricef), cephalexin (Keflex), cephradine (Velosef), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime axtel (Ceftin), cefprozil (Cefzil), loracarbef (Lorabid), cefixime (Suprax), cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin), ceftibuten (Cedax), cefdinir (Omnicef), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), carbapenems, and monobactams; tetracyclines, such as tetracycline; macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin; aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin; quinolones such as ciprofloxacin; cyclic peptides, such as vancomycin, streptogramins, polymyxins; lincosamides, such as clindamycin; oxazolidinoes, such as linezolid; and sulfa antibiotics, such as sulftsoxazole.

Analgesics

Analgesics are therapeutic agents that are used to relieve pain. Examples of analgesics include opiates and morphinomimetics, such as fentanyl and morphine; paracetamol; NSAIDs, and COX-2 inhibitors. Given the ability of the sodium channel blockers of the invention to treat neuropathic pain via inhibition of the Nay 1.7 and 1.8 sodium channels, combination with analgesics are particularly envisioned. See U.S. Patent Application Publication 20090203707.

Antidepressant and Anti-Anxiety Agents

Antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents include those agents used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and those used as sedatives and tranquillizers. Examples of antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, lorazepam, and midazolam; benzodiazepines; barbiturates; glutethimide; chloral hydrate; meprobamate; sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Apo-Sertral, Asentra, Gladem, Serlift, Stimuloton); escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Fluctin, Fontex, Prodep, Fludep, Lovan); venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Efexor); citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Talohexane); paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax); trazodone (Desyrel); amitriptyline (Elavil); and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban).

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides for a composition comprising the sodium channel blockers of the invention and at least one therapeutic agent. In an alternative embodiment, the composition comprises the sodium channel blockers of the invention and at least two therapeutic agents. In further alternative embodiments, the composition comprises the sodium channel blockers of the invention and at least three therapeutic agents, the sodium channel blockers of the invention and at least four therapeutic agents, or the sodium channel blockers of the invention and at least five therapeutic agents.

The methods of combination therapy include co-administration of a single formulation containing the sodium channel blockers of the invention and therapeutic agent or agents, essentially contemporaneous administration of more than one formulation comprising the sodium channel blocker of the invention and therapeutic agent or agents, and consecutive administration of a sodium channel blocker of the invention and therapeutic agent or agents, in any order, wherein preferably there is a time period where the sodium channel blocker of the invention and therapeutic agent or agents simultaneously exert their therapeutic effect.

EXAMPLES

In order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. The synthetic and biological examples described in this application are offered to illustrate the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods provided herein and are not to be construed in any way as limiting their scope.

The compounds provided herein can be prepared from readily available starting materials using the following general methods and procedures. It will be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimal reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvent used, but such conditions can be determined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization.

Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional protecting groups may be necessary to prevent certain functional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. The choice of a suitable protecting group for a particular functional group as well as suitable conditions for protection and deprotection are well known in the art. For example, numerous protecting groups, and their introduction and removal, are described in T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Second Edition, Wiley, New York, 1991, and references cited therein.

The compounds provided herein may be isolated and purified by known standard procedures. Such procedures include recrystallization, filtration, flash chromatography, trituration, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), or supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). Note that flash chromatography may either be performed manually or via an automated system. The compounds provided herein may be characterized by known standard procedures, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) or liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). NMR chemical shifts are reported in part per million (ppm) and are generated using methods well known to those of skill in the art.

Exemplary general methods for analytical LCMS include Method A (Xtimate C₁₈ (2.1 mm×30 mm, 3 μm); A=H₂O (0.04% TEA) and B=CH₃CN (0.02% TEA); 50° C.; 1.2 mL/min; 10-80% B over 0.9 minutes, then 80% B for 0.6 minutes); Method B (Chromolith Flash RP-18 endcapped C₁₈ (2 mm×25 mm); A=H₂O (0.04% TEA) and B=CH₃CN (0.02% TEA); 50° C.; 1.5 mL/min; 5-95% B over 0.7 minutes, then 95% B for 0.4 minutes); and Method C (Xtimate C₁₋₈ (2.1 mm×30 mm, 3 μm); A=H₂O (0.04% TEA) and B=CH₃CN (0.02% TEA); 50° C.; 0.8 mL/min; 10-80% B over 6 minutes, then 80% B for 0.5 minutes).

LIST OF ABBREVIATION

TFAA trifluoroacetic anhydride

THE tetrahydrofuran

Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ bis(tri-tert-butylphosphine)palladium(0)

NBS N-bromosuccinimide

DPPF 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene

Pd₂(dba)₃ tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium

DMF dimethylformamide

AcOH acetic acid

EtOAc ethyl acetate

EtOH ethanol

TEA triethylamine

ACN acetonitrile

DCM dichloro me thane

MeI methyl iodide

X-Phos 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl

KOAc potassium acetate

Pd(PPh₃)₄ tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0)

TEA trifluoroacetate

TMSCN trimethylsilyl cyanide

TBAF tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride

TBAB tetra-n-butylammonium bromide

Pd(dppf)Cl₂ [1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II), complex with dichloromethane

HATU 1-[bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridinium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate

DIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine

DIEA N,N-Diisopropylethylamine

Example 1: Synthesis of Compound 1

Synthesis of A-2

To a mixture of A-1 (2.00 g, 14.03 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was added TFAA (4.42 g, 21.05 mmol), then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated and the resulting residue was diluted with H₂O (50 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with sat. Na₂CO₃ (30 mL), water (50 mL) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give A-2 (3.10 g, 12.99 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.54 (d, 1H), 7.85-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 4.63 (d, 2H).

Synthesis of A-3

A mixture of A-2 (2.50 g, 10.48 mmol) and TFAA (6.60 g, 31.43 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was stirred at 65° C. for 8 hours. The mixture was concentrated and the resulting residue was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with sat Na₂CO₃ (30 mL), water (40 mL×2) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 5% to 10%) to give A-3 (1.40 g, 6.35 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.20 (s, 1H), 7.59-7.53 (m, 2H), 6.94 (dd, 1H). LCMS Rt=0.77 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₈H₅ClF₃N₂ [M+H]+ 221.0, found 220.9.

Synthesis of Compound 1

A mixture of A-3 (70.00 mg, 317.35 μmol), [2-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (74.88 mg, 317.35 μmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (24.33 mg, 47.60 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (134.73 mg, 634.70 μmol) in dioxane (3 mL) and H₂O (600 μL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated to give a residue that was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Kromasil (150×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH); B=CH₃CN; 60%-70% over 8 minutes) to give Compound 1 (23.52 mg, 62.51 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.27 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 6.96 (dd, 1H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H). LCMS R_(t)=1.31 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₁₁F₆N₂O₂ [M+H]⁺ 377.1, found 376.9.

Example 2: Synthesis of Compound 2

A mixture of A-3 (70.00 mg, 317.35 μmol), 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine (125.04 mg, 412.56 μmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (24.33 mg, 47.60 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (134.73 mg, 634.70 μmol) in dioxane (3 mL) and H₂O (600 μL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated to give a residue which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Kromasil (150×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN; 53%-63% B over 8 minutes) to give Compound 2 (26.91 mg, 74.49 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.37 (d, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.86 (dd, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.15 (dd, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 4.84 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.41 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₁₀F₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 362.1, found 362.0.

Example 3: Synthesis of Compound 3

A mixture of A-3 (70.00 mg, 317.35 μmol), 2-[4-(1-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)phenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (131.47 mg, 476.03 μmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (24.33 mg, 47.60 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (134.73 mg, 634.70 μmol) in dioxane (3 mL) and H₂O (600 μL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated to give a residue which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Kromasil (150×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN; 50%-80% B over 8 minutes) to give Compound 3 (46.13 mg, 137.98 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.29 (s, 1H), 7.66 (dd, 1H), 7.60-7.53 (m, 5H), 7.24 (dd, 1H), 3.14 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 6H). LCMS R_(t)=1.43 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₈H₁₈F₃N₂O [M+H]⁺ 335.1, found 335.1.

Example 4: Synthesis of Compound 4

A mixture of A-3 (70.00 mg, 317.35 μmol), 1-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclopropanecarbonitrile (128.12 mg, 476.03 μmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (24.33 mg, 47.60 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (134.73 mg, 634.70 μmol) in H₂O (600 μL) and dioxane (3 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated to give a residue which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Kromasil (150×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN; 50%-60% B over 8 minutes) to give Compound 4 (14.45 mg, 44.15 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.26 (s, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.44 (d, 2H), 7.20 (dd, 1H), 1.85-1.78 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.45 (m, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.19 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₈H₁₃F₃N₃ [M+H]⁺ 328.1, found 327.9.

Example 5: Synthesis of Compound 5

A mixture of A-3 (70.00 mg, 317.35 μmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (65.27 mg, 316.95 μmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (20.25 mg, 39.62 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (112.13 mg, 528.24 μmol) in dioxane (2 mL) and H₂O (200 μL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered, the precipitate was washed with EtOAc and the filtrate was concentrated to give a residue which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Kromasil (150×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN; 50%-80% B over 8 minutes) to give Compound 5 (37.97 mg, 109.67 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.26 (s, 1H), 7.70-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.19 (dd, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=1.30 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₉F₆N₂O [M+H]⁺ 347.1, found 346.9.

Example 6: Synthesis of Compound 6

Synthesis of A-4

To a solution of 5 (400 mg, 1.16 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (10 mL) was added NBS (309.69 mg, 1.74 mmol) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 20% to 60%) to give A-4 (377.00 mg, 863.40 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=8.56 (s, 1H), 7.93-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.59 (dd, 1H), 7.52 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.00 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. C₁₅H₈BrF₆N₂O [M+H+2]⁺ 427.0, found 426.7.

Synthesis of Compound 6

A mixture of A-4 (100.00 mg, 235.23 μmol), Zn(CN)₂ (82.86 mg, 705.69 μmol), Zn (1.54 mg, 23.52 μmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (21.54 mg, 23.52 μmol) and DPPF (32.60 mg, 58.81 μmol) in DMF (3 mL) was stirred in a 20 mL sealed tube under N₂ at 85° C. for 12 hours. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (10 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (15 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product which was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=5:1) to give Compound 6 (38.90 mg, 101.33 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.37 (s, 1H), 7.95 (dd, 1H), 7.67-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.42 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.50 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₈F₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 372.0, found 371.8.

Example 7: Synthesis of Compound 7

Synthesis of A-6

A mixture of A-5 (500.00 mg, 3.58 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (1.11 g, 5.37 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (146.36 mg, 286.40 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (1.52 g, 7.16 mmol) in dioxane (20 mL) and H₂O (4 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours under N₂. The mixture was concentrated to a residue, which was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (150 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (50 mL×2) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=5% to 10% to 15%) to give A-6 (520.00 mg, 1.96 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.14 (d, 1H), 8.96 (d, 1H), 8.16 (d, 2H), 7.41 (d, 2H).

Synthesis of A-7

A mixture of A-6 (250 mg, 942.72 μmol) and Pd/C (100 mg, 10%) in AcOH (4 mL) and EtOAc (4 mL) was stirred under H₂ (15 psi) at 20° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through Celite, eluted with EtOAc (30 mL×2), and the filtrate was concentrated to give crude A-7 (320.00 mg) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.69 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₂H₁₁F₃N₃O [M+H]⁺ 270.1, found 269.9.

Synthesis of A-8

To a mixture of A-7 (300 mg, 911.11 μmol) in THE (8 mL) was added TFAA (574.08 mg, 2.73 mmol), then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was concentrated, and the residue was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and sat. Na₂CO₃ (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=10% to 20% to 30%) to afford A-8 (180.00 mg, 492.84 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.98 (d, 1H), 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.08 (d, 2H), 7.55 (brs, 1H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 4.77 (d, 2H).

Synthesis of Compound 7

A mixture of A-8 (150 mg, 410.70 μmol) in POCl₃ (4 mL) was stirred at 135° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated to a residue, which was poured into ice-water (30 mL), basified with Na₂CO₃ (solid) to pH˜9, and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=4:1) to afford Compound 7 (82.35 mg, 237.17 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.22 (d, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 8.03-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 7.37 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.37 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 348.0, found 347.9.

Example 8: Synthesis of Compound 8

Synthesis of A-10

A mixture of A-9 (800 mg, 4.35 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (1.25 g, 6.09 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (111.15 mg, 217.50 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (1.66 g, 7.83 mmol) in dioxane (40 mL) and H₂O (8 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 12 hours under N₂. The mixture was concentrated to a residue that was diluted with H₂O (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (50 mL×2) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 10% to 15%) to afford A-10 (1.05 g, 3.96 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.04 (s, 2H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.44 (d, 2H).

Synthesis of A-11

A mixture of A-10 (200 mg, 754.18 μmol), Pd/C (100 mg, 10%) in EtOAc (3 mL) and AcOH (3 mL) was stirred under H₂ (15 psi) at 20° C. for 12 hours. The mixture was filtered through Celite and eluted with EtOAc (30 mL×2). The filtrate was concentrated to afford crude A-11 (300.00 mg) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.69 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₂H₁₁F₃N₃O [M+H]⁺ 270.1, found 269.9.

Synthesis of A-12

To a mixture of A-11 (300 mg, 911.11 μmol) in THE (10 mL) was added TFAA (702 mg, 3.34 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 hour and 65° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was concentrated to give a residue that was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and sat. Na₂CO₃ (30 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=10% to 20% to 30%) to afford A-12 (270.00 mg, 739.26 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.94 (s, 2H), 7.79 (brs, 1H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 4.85 (d, 2H).

Synthesis of Compound 8

A mixture of A-12 (150.00 mg, 410.70 μmol) in POCl₃ (5 mL) was stirred at 135° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated, poured into ice-water (30 mL), basified with Na₂CO₃ (solid) to pH˜9, and extracted with DCM (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=4:1) to afford Compound 8 (37.77 mg, 108.78 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.60 (d, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.21 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 348.0, found 347.9.

Example 9: Synthesis of Compound 9

Synthesis of A-14

To a suspension of A-13 (2.00 g, 11.01 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added N₂H₄.H₂O (661.51 mg, 13.21 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. TEA (3 mL) was then added, followed by the addition of water (5 mL), ACN (10 mL), and toluene (2×10 mL). After each addition, the mixture was concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in ACN (20 mL), and TFAA (3.47 g, 16.52 mmol) and TEA (2.23 g, 22.02 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 2 days. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (80 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (80 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (PE:EtOAc=1:1 to EtOAc) to give A-14 (1.50 g, 5.86 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=10.65 (s, 1H), 9.72 (t, 1H), 4.01 (d, 2H), 2.45-2.39 (m, 2H), 2.33-2.27 (m, 2H).

Synthesis of A-15

To a mixture of A-14 (1.50 g, 6.72 mmol) in AcOH (10 mL) was added Br₂ (1.18 g, 7.39 mmol, 381.18 μL) and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated, diluted with sat. NaHCO₃ (10 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford A-15 (1.20 g, 5.02 mmol) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.18 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₇H₇F₃N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 222.0, found 221.9.

Synthesis of A-16

To a solution of A-15 (1.20 g, 5.43 mmol) in SULFOLANE (20) was added POCl₃ (6.66 g, 43.44 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was poured into water (200 mL) with stirring, neutralized with solid Na₂CO₃ until pH=10, and extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (PE:EtOAc=10:1 to 5:1) to afford A-16 (350.00 mg, 1.58 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=7.91 (d, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 6.85 (d, 1H).

Synthesis of Compound 9

A mixture of A-16 (100 mg, 451.32 μmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (102.23 mg, 496.45 μmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (46.13 mg, 90.26 μmol) and K₃PO₄ (191.60 mg, 902.64 μmol) in dioxane (2 mL) and H₂O (200 μL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (10 mL), filtered though silica gel, eluted with EtOAc (10 mL) and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Waters Xbridge (150×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (10 mM NH₄HCO₃) and B=CH₃CN; 47%-77% B over 10 minutes) to afford Compound 9 (22.60 mg, 65.09 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=7.65 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 2H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.88 (d, 1H), 6.78 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.40 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 348.0, found 347.9.

Example 10: Synthesis of Compound 10

Synthesis of A-17

To a mixture of A-11 (400 mg, 1.21 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added (2,2-difluoroacetyl) 2,2-difluoroacetate (634.31 mg, 3.64 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was concentrated, H₂O (20 mL) and sat. Na₂CO₃ (20 mL) were added, and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=10% to 30% to 55%) to afford A-17 (400 mg, 1.14 mmol) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.79 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₁₁F₅N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 348.1, found 347.9.

Synthesis of Compound 10

A mixture of A-17 (130 mg, 0.3700 mmol) in POCl₃ (3 mL, 0.3700 mmol) was stirred at 120° C. for 6 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was concentrated, and the residue was poured into ice-water (30 mL). The mixture was basified with Na₂CO₃ (solid) to pH˜9, extracted with EtOAc (30 mL×2), and the combined organic phase was washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-TLC (PE:EtOAc=3:1) to afford Compound 10 (8.46 mg, 0.03 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, MeOD-d₄) δ_(H)=8.91 (d, 1H), 8.71 (d, 1H), 7.86 (d, 2H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 2H), 7.26 (t, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=1.148 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₉F₅N₃O [M+H]⁺ 330.1, found 329.9.

Example 11: Synthesis of Compound 11

Synthesis of A-18

To a mixture of Compound 8 (400 mg, 1.15 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added NBS (307.59 mg, 1.73 mmol), then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was diluted with DCM (50 mL), and the organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=5% to 10% to 15%) to afford A-18 (400 mg, 0.94 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.64 (d, 1H), 8.44 (d, 1H), 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.43 (d, 2H).

Synthesis of Compound 11

A mixture of A-18 (60 mg, 0.1400 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (33.06 mg, 0.2800 mmol), Zn (1.38 mg, 0.0200 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (19.34 mg, 0.0200 mmol) and dppf (27.32 mg, 0.0500 mmol) in DMF (2.5 mL) was stirred at 90° C. for 16 hours under N₂. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was diluted with H₂O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Phenomenex Gemini C18 (250×50 mm, 10 μm; A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN; 55%-85% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 11 (20.89 mg, 0.06 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.89 (d, 1H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, 2H), 7.46 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.20 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₇F₆N₄O [M+H]⁺ 373.0, found 372.8.

Example 12: Synthesis of Compound 12

Synthesis of 12-b

A mixture of 2-bromo-1-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzene (5.00 g, 18.15 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (1.48 g, 1.82 mmol) and Et₃N (5.51 g, 54.45 mmol) in EtOH (30 mL) was degassed, and refilled with CO. The reaction was stirred under CO (50 psi) for 16 hours at 80° C., at which point the desired product was observed by LCMS. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOH (20 mL), and filtered through a Celite pad. The filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0%˜5%) to afford compound 12-b (2.40 g, 8.93 mmol) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=7.66-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 7.24-7.19 (m, 1H), 4.36 (q, 2H), 1.35 (t, 3H).

Synthesis of 12-c

To a solution of 12-b (2.40 g, 8.93 mmol) in THE (30 mL) at −40° C. was added LiAlH₄ (406.67 mg, 10.72 mmol) slowly. The reaction was stirred at −40° C. for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched with sat. NH₄Cl (0.4 mL), diluted with EtOAc (30 mL). The solid formed was filtered through a Celite pad and eluted with EtOAc (30 mL). The filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 10% to 20%) to afford compound 12-c (1.50 g, 6.62 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=7.45-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 1H), 4.80 (d, 2H), 2.04 (t, 1H).

Synthesis of 12-d

To a solution of compound 12-c (1.50 g, 6.62 mmol) in THE (20 mL) at 0° C. was added NaH (317.76 mg, 7.94 mmol, 60% purity) slowly. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. Then MeI (2.82 g, 19.86 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours to give a mixture. The reaction mixture was quenched with sat. NH₄Cl (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×3). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 5% to 10%) to afford compound 12-d (1.40 g, 5.82 mmol) as an oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃ 400 MHz) δ_(H)=7.43-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.09 (dd, 1H), 4.54 (s, 2H), 3.50 (s, 3H).

Synthesis of 12-e

A mixture of 12-d (400.00 mg, 1.66 mmol), 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (505.85 mg, 1.99 mmol), KOAc (325.82 mg, 3.32 mmol), X-Phos (197.84 mg, 415.00 nmol) and Pd₂(dba)₃ (152.01 mg, 166.00 umol) in dioxane (6 mL) was stirred under N₂ at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was cooled to r.t., concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by silica gel column (PE:EA=1:0 to 50:1) to afford compound 12-e (300.00 mg, 903.29 μmol) as an oil. LCMS R_(t)=0.99 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₂₁BF₃O₄ [M+H]⁺ 333.1, found 332.7.

Synthesis of A-19

A mixture of A-9 (1 g, 5.44 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (500 mg) in TEA (10 mL) and TFAA (10 mL) was stirred at 20° C. under H₂ (15 psi) for 1.5 hours. The mixture was then concentrated and purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 40%) to afford A-19 (1000 mg, 3.47 mmol) as an oil. LCMS R_(t)=0.61 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₇H₆BrF₃N₃O [M+2+H]⁺ 286.0, found 285.8.

Synthesis of A-20

A mixture of A-19 (1 g, 3.52 mmol) in POCl₃ (10 mL) was stirred at 145° C. for 32 hours. The mixture was concentrated, and the residue was poured into ice-water (30 mL), basified with Na₂CO₃ (solid) to pH˜9, and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 30%) to afford A-20 (160 mg, 0.59 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR 400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.54 (s, 1H), 8.33 (d, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=0.70 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₇H₄BrF₃N₃ [M+2+H]⁺267.9, found 267.6.

Synthesis of Compound 12

A mixture of 2-[2-(methoxymethyl)-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (119.85 mg, 0.36 mmol), A-20 (80 mg, 0.30 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (30.74 mg, 0.06 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (127.67 mg, 0.60 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and water (0.50 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through silica gel, and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The filtration was concentrated and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 58-88% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 12 (44.83 mg, 0.11 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.65 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.38-7.33 (m, 1H), 4.31 (s, 2H), 3.44 (s, 3H). LCMS R_(t)=1.39 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₁₂F₆N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 392.1, found 392.0.

Example 13: Synthesis of Compound 13

A mixture of 1-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclopropanecarbonitrile (182.12 mg, 0.68 mmol), A-20 (90.00 mg, 0.34 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (34.58 mg, 0.07 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (143.63 mg, 0.68 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and water (0.50 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was filtered through silica gel and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2), concentrated, diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 53-65% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 13 (23.04 mg, 0.06 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.60 (d, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.48 (d, 2H), 1.87-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.48 (m, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.23 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₂F₃N₄ [M+H]⁺ 329.1, found 328.9.

Example 14: Synthesis of Compound 14

A mixture of A-18 (50 mg, 0.12 mmol), 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5,2,4,6-trioxatriborinane (44.19 mg, 0.35 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₄ (20.34 mg, 0.02 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (24.29 mg, 0.18 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) was stirred at 110° C. for 16 hours under N₂. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=2:1) to afford Compound 14 (24.64 mg, 67.4 μmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.48 (d, 1H), 8.38 (d, 1H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.41 (d, 2H), 2.69 (s, 3H). LCMS R_(t)=1.34 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₁₀F₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 362.1, found 362.0.

Example 15: Synthesis of Compound 15

Synthesis of A-21

A mixture of A-5 (1.5 g, 10.75 mmol) and 5% Pd/C (150 mg) in TFA (15 mL, 201.94 mmol) and (2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl) 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (8 mL, 57.55 mmol) was stirred under H₂ (15 psi) at 20° C. for 5 hours. The mixture was filtered through Celite, eluted with EtOAc (20 mL), and concentrated to a residue. The residue was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and sat. Na₂CO₃ (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=20% to 30% to 50%) to afford A-21 (2100 mg, 8.72 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.58 (d, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 7.38 (hr s, 1H), 4.71 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=0.61 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₇H₆ClF₃N₃O [M+H]⁺ 240.0, found 239.9.

Synthesis of A-22

A mixture of A-22 (1 g, 4.15 mmol) in POCl₃ (10.33 mL, 110.87 mmol) was stirred at 135° C. for 24 hours. The mixture was concentrated, and the residue was poured into ice-water (30 mL), basified with Na₂CO₃ (solid) to pH˜8, and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography silica gel (EtOAc in PE=5% to 10% to 17%) to afford A-22 (710 mg, 3.08 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.99 (d, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=0.69 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₇H₄ClF₃N₃ [M+H]⁺ 222.0, found 221.8.

Synthesis of Compound 15

A mixture of A-22 (70 mg, 0.32 mmol), 2-[2-(methoxymethyl)-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (158 mg, 0.48 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (39 mg, 0.05 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (220 mg, 0.68 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (5 mL) and water (0.50 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours under N₂. The mixture was concentrated, and the residue was diluted with H₂O (10 mL), and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=2:1) to afford Compound 15 (98.35 mg, 0.25 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.20 (d, 1H), 8.48 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.33 (d, 1H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 3.45 (s, 3H). LCMS R_(t)=1.20 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₁₂F₆N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 392.1, found 392.0.

Example 16: Synthesis of Compound 16

Synthesis of A-24

To a solution of 2-(benzhydrylideneamino)acetonitrile (6.87 g, 31.18 mmol) in DMF (60 mL) was added NaH (1.37 g, 34.3 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 mins, and then A-23 was added (6 g, 31.18 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 16 hours. Saturated NH₄Cl aqueous (120 mL) and EtOAc (150 mL) were added, and the organic layer was washed with brine (60 mL×2), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 10% to 30%) afford A-24 (2200 mg, 5.85 mmol) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.74 (d, 1H), 8.17 (dd, 1H), 7.65-7.05 (m, 11H), 5.61 (s, 1H).

Synthesis of A-25

To a solution of A-24 (2.2 g, 5.85 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added 10% HCl (30 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 16 hours. The aqueous phase was separated and washed with DCM (10 mL), then concentrated afford A-25 (1200 mg, 4.83 mmol), which was used directly in next step. LCMS R_(t)=0.19 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₇H₇BrN₃ [M+H+2]⁺ 214.0, found 213.8.

Synthesis of A-26

To a mixture of A-25 (1.2 g, 4.83 mmol) and Et₃N (3.33 mL, 24.14 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added TFAA (2.04 mL, 14.49 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO₃ (50 mL), extracted with DCM (50 mL×3), and the combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford A-26 (1500 mg, 4.87 mmol) as an oil, which was used directly in next step. LCMS R_(t)=0.73 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₉H₆BrF₃N₃O [M+H+2]⁺ 310.0, found 309.9.

Synthesis of A-27

A mixture of A-26 (1.5 g, 4.87 mmol) and TFA (3 mL, 40.26 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was heated to 30° C. and stirred for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the residue was treated with sat. NaHCO₃ (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give a residue that was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE, 0% to 5% to 10%) to afford A-27 (170 mg, 0.59 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=8.94 (s, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=0.78 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₉H₄BrF₃N₃ [M+H]⁺ 290.0, found 289.8.

Synthesis of Compound 16

A mixture of 2-[2-(methoxymethyl)-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (137.41 mg, 0.41 mmol), A-27 (100 mg, 0.34 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (26.43 mg, 0.05 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (146.19 mg, 0.69 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and water (0.20 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (5 mL), filtered through silica gel, eluted with EtOAc (5 mL) and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (water (10 mM NH₄HCO₃)-ACN) (column: Waters Xbridge (150×25 mm, 5 μm; A=H₂O (10 mM NH₄HCO₃) and B=CH₃CN) afford Compound 16 (82.63 mg, 0.20 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.48 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 3H), 7.36-7.31 (m, 1H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 3.42 (s, 3H). LCMS R_(t)=1.39 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₈H₁₂F₆N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 416.1, found 416.0.

Example 17: Synthesis of Compound 17

A mixture of A-20 (80 mg, 0.30 mmol), l-[3-methoxy-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclopropanecarbonitrile (107.96 mg, 0.36 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (30.74 mg, 0.06 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (127.67 mg, 0.60 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and water (0.50 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 12 hours. The mixture was filtrated through silica gel and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The filtration was concentrated and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2), brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 58-68% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 17 (13.61 mg, 0.04 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.57-8.43 (m, 2H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.36 (d, 1H), 7.09 (d, 1H), 6.93 (dd, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 1.86-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.52-1.47 (m, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.12 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₈H₁₄F₃N₄O [M+H]⁺ 359.1, found 359.1.

Synthesis of 17-2

To a mixture of methyl 4-bromo-3-methoxy-benzoate (3.00 g, 12.24 mmol) in THE (40) was added LiAlH₄ (1.39 g, 36.72 mmol) at −40° C. under N₂, then the mixture was stirred at −40° C. for 2 hours. To the mixture was added H₂O (1.76 g) dropwise at −40° C., then the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 0.5 hour and 50° C. for 0.5 hour, filtered through Celite, and eluted by THF (100 mL×2). The filtrate was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (200 mL), washed with water (30 mL×2) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford the erode product of compound 17-2 (2.50 g, 11.52 mmol, 94% yield) as an oil, ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=7.49 (d, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 6.84 (d, 1H), 5.29 (t, 1H), 4.47 (d, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H).

Synthesis of 17-3

A mixture of 17-2 (2.50 g, 11.52 mmol) in SOCl₂ (15 mL) was stirred at 70° C. for 2 hours. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was concentrated, and the residue was diluted with EtOAc (150 mL). The organic phase was washed with water (30 mL) and brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford compound 17-3 (2.60 g, 11.04 mmol, 96% yield) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=7.57 (d, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H), 6.97 (dd, 1H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H).

Synthesis of 17-4

To a mixture of 17-3 (2.60 g, 11.04 mmol) in CH₃CN (30 mL) was added TMSCN (1.64 g, 16.56 mmol) and TBAF (1 M, 16.56 mL), then the mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 36 hours. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (50 mL), and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (30 mL×2) and brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=5% to 10% to 15%) to afford compound 17-4 (2.15 g, 9.51 mmol, 86% yield) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=7.54 (d, 1H), 6.87 (d, 1H), 6.81 (dd, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 2H).

Synthesis of 17-5

To a mixture of 17-4 (2.00 g, 8.85 mmol), TBAB (114.08 mg, 353.87 μmol), KOH (4.96 g, 88.47 mmol) in toluene (40 mL) and H₂O (4 mL) was added 1,2-dibromoethane (3.32 g, 17.69 mmol), then the mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 1 hour. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was diluted with EtOAc (150 mL). After the separation, the organic phase was washed with water (30 mL×2) and brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The erode product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=5% to 10%) to afford compound 17-5 (1.72 g, 6.82 mmol, 77% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=7.49 (d, 1H), 6.93 (d, 1H), 6.67 (dd, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 1.79-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.38 (m, 2H).

Synthesis of 17-6

A mixture of 17-5 (500.00 mg, 1.98 mmol), 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (1.51 g, 5.94 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (242.54 mg, 297.00 μmol) and KOAc (388.63 mg, 3.96 mmol) in dioxane (25 mL) was stirred 85° C. for 12 hours under N₂. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was concentrated. The residue was diluted with H₂O (30 mL), and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=1% to 5% to 10%) to afford compound 17-6 (510.0 mg, 1.70 mmol, 86% yield) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=7.64 (d, 1H), 6.87 (d, 1H), 6.73 (dd, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 1.78-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.41 (m, 2H), 1.35 (s, 12H).

Example 18: Synthesis of Compound 18

A mixture of A-20 (80 mg, 0.30 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]boronic acid (68.54 mg, 0.3600 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (30.74 mg, 0.06 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (127.67 mg, 0.60 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and water (0.50 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtrated through silica gel and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The filtrate was concentrated and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 55-85% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 18 (54.22 mg, 0.16 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.63 (d, 1H), 8.52 (s, 1H), 7.90-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.73 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.26 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₆N₃ [M+H]⁺ 332.1, found 331.9.

Example 19: Synthesis of Compound 19

A mixture of A-27 (80 mg, 0.28 mmol), 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine (100.32 mg, 0.33 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (21.14 mg, 0.04 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (116.95 mg, 0.55 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and water (0.20 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (5 mL), filtered through silica gel, eluted with EtOAc (5 mL) and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by flash chromatography by silica gel (PE:EtOAc=5:1 to 3:1) to afford Compound 19 (63.00 mg, 0.16 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=8.81 (s, 1H), 8.65 (d, 1H), 8.28 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 5.09 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.30 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₉F₆N₄O [M+H]⁺ 387.1, found 387.0.

Example 20: Synthesis of Compound 20

A mixture of A-27 (80 mg, 0.28 mmol), 1-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclopropanecarbonitrile (89.09 mg, 0.33 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (21.14 mg, 0.04 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (116.95 mg, 0.55 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and water (0.20 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (5 mL), filtered through silica gel, eluted with EtOAc (5 mL) and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (PE:EtOAc=5:1 to 1:1) to afford Compound 20 (42.46 mg, 0.11 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=8.68 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, 1H), 7.91 (dd, 1H), 7.83 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 1.86-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.56 (m, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.25 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₉H₁₂F₃N₄ [M+H]⁺ 353.1, found 353.1.

Example 21: Synthesis of Compound 21

Synthesis of A-28

To a mixture of A-25 (300 mg, 1.21 mmol) and TEA (0.84 mL, 6.04 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added (2,2-difluoroacetyl) 2,2-difluoroacetate (630.34 mg, 3.62 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched with sat. NaHCO₃ (50 mL) and extracted with DCM (50 mL×3). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated, and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 10% to 20%) to afford A-28 (110 mg, 0.40 mmol) as a solid.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆ 400 MHz) δ_(H)=9.03 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.74-7.45 (m, 2H).

Synthesis of Compound 21

A mixture of A-28 (150 mg, 0.55 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (136.25 mg, 0.66 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (42.27 mg, 0.08 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (233.78 mg, 1.1 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and water (0.20 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (5 mL), filtered through silica gel, eluted with EtOAc (5 mL) and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by silica gel (PE:EtOAc=5:1 to 1:1) to give afford Compound 21 (83.64 mg, 0.24 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.52 (s, 1H), 7.89 (dd, 1H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.54 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.21-6.82 (m, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=1.30 mins using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₉F₅N₃O [M+H]⁺ 354.1, found 354.0.

Example 22: Synthesis of Compound 22

A mixture of A-22 (80 mg, 0.36 mmol), l-[4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclopropanecarbonitrile (126.33 mg, 0.47 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (58.97 mg, 0.07 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (235.28 mg, 0.72 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and water (0.5 mL) was stirred at 90° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through silica gel and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The filtrate was concentrated, and the residue was diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=3:1) to afford Compound 22 (12.48 mg, 0.03 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.21 (d, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.99-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.44 (d, 2H), 1.85-1.79 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.46 (m, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.20 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₂F₃N₄ [M+H]⁺ 329.1, found 328.9.

Example 23: Synthesis of Compound 23

A mixture of A-22 (80 mg, 0.36 mmol), 3-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine (150.71 mg, 0.47 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (58.97 mg, 0.07 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (235.27 mg, 0.72 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (3 mL) and water (0.50 mL) was stirred at 85° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through silica gel and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The filtrate was concentrated and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN; 62%-72% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 23 (47.64 mg, 0.13 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.21 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 4.92 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.25 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₇N₄O [M+H]⁺ 381.1, found 381.0.

Synthesis of 23-2

To a suspension of NaH (453.66 mg, 11.34 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (1.13 g, 11.34 mmol) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 1 hour. Then to the mixture was added 5-bromo-2,3-difluoro-pyridine (2 g, 10.31 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for another 4 hours. The mixture was quenched with sat. NH₄Cl (50 mL), and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to afford compound 23-2 (1500 mg, 5.4743 mmol, 53% yield) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.00 (d, 1H), 7.58 (dd, 1H), 4.81 (q, 2H).

Synthesis of 23-3

A mixture of 23-2 (1500 mg, 5.47 mmol), 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (2780.26 mg, 10.95 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (447.05 mg, 0.55 mmol) and KOAc (1074.49 mg, 10.95 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (100 mL) and was stirred at 90° C. for 16 hours. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was concentrated. The residue was diluted with H₂O (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 5% to 30%) to afford impure compound 23-3 (3800 mg, 11.835 mmol, containing residual bis(pinacolato)diboron) as a solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃ 400 MHz) δ_(H)=8.26 (s, 1H), 7.72 (dd, 1H), 4.87 (q, 2H), 1.35 (s, 12H)

Example 24: Synthesis of Compound 24

Synthesis of A-29

To a mixture of A-10 (300 mg, 1.13 mmol) in 4 M HCl/dioxane (5 mL, 20 mmol) and ethyl acetate (10 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (100 mg). The mixture was stirred under H₂ (15 psi) at 20° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through Celite, eluted with MeOH (20 mL×2), the filtrate was concentrated to afford A-29 (330 mg, 0.52 mmol) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.66 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₂H₁₁F₃N₃O [M+H]⁺ 270.1, found 269.9.

Synthesis of A-30

A mixture of A-29 (330 mg, 1.08 mmol), 3,3-difluorocyclobutanecarboxylic acid (220.39 mg, 1.62 mmol), HATU (615.72 mg, 1.62 mmol) and DIPEA (418.57 mg, 3.24 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 12 hours. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (30 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=20% to 50% to 80%) to afford A-30 (300 mg, 0.62 mmol) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.81 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₅F₅N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 388.1, found 388.0.

Synthesis of Compound 24

A mixture of A-30 (180 mg, 0.46 mmol) in POCl₃ (1.95 mL, 20.87 mmol) was stirred at 125° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was poured into ice-water (30 mL), basified with solid Na₂CO₃ to pH˜9, and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=2:1) to afford Compound 24 (16.4 mg, 0.04 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.39 (d, 1H), 8.02 (d, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.39 (d, 2H), 3.71-3.61 (m, 1H), 3.27-3.05 (m, 4H). LCMS R<=1.16 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₃F₅N₃O [M+H]⁺ 370.1, found 370.0.

Example 25: Synthesis of Compound 25

Synthesis of A-31

A mixture of A-16 (170 mg, 0.77 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (189.6 mg, 0.92 mmol), K₃PO₄ (325.78 mg, 1.53 mmol) and Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (58.82 mg, 0.12 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (4 mL) and water (0.40 mL) was stirred at 80° C. under N₂ for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by silica gel (EtOAc in PE=(0% to 10% to 30%) to afford A-31 (230 mg, 0.66 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.11-8.01 (m, 3H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.41 (d, 2H), 7.29 (s, 1H)

Synthesis of A-32

To a solution of A-32 (200 mg, 0.58 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added NBS (102.52 mg, 0.58 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 16 hours, at which point the desired product was observed by LCMS. Saturated NH₄Cl aqueous (20 mL) and EtOAc (20 mL) were added to the reaction mixture, and the organic layer was washed with brine (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0% to 10% to 20%) to afford A-32 (230 mg, 0.54 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃ 400 MHz) δ_(H)=8.07 (d, 2H), 7.97 (d, 1H), 7.41 (d, 2H), 7.32 (d, 1H).

Synthesis of Compound 25

A mixture of A-32 (80 mg, 0.19 mmol), dppf (31.22 mg, 0.06 mmol), Zn (1.84 mg, 0.03 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (66.14 mg, 0.56 mmol) and Pd₂(dba)₃ (25.79 mg, 0.03 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was stirred at 95° C. under N₂ for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite. To the filtrate was added EtOAc (20 mL) and saturated NH₄Cl aqueous (20 mL), and after separation, the organic layer was washed with brine (20 mL×2), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=4:1) to afford Compound 25 (47.73 mg, 0.13 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.26 (d, 1H), 8.09 (d, 2H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.33 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₇F₆N₄O [M+H]⁺ 373.0, found 372.9.

Example 26: Synthesis of Compound 26

Synthesis of A-33

To the mixture of A-1 (500 mg, 2.79 mmol), HATU (1.59 g, 4.19 mmol) and DIPEA (1.08 g, 8.38 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 2,2-difluorocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (409.06 mg, 3.35 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=20% to 50%) to afford A-33 (600 mg, 2.43 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.52 (d, 1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.24 (d, 1H), 6.91 (br s, 1H), 4.60 (d, 2H), 2.44-2.35 (m, 1H), 2.20-2.07 (m, 1H), 1.76-1.68 (m, 1H)

Synthesis of A-34

To a mixture A-33 (600. mg, 2.43 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added Tf₂O (755 mg, 2.68 mmol) and 2-methoxypyridine (318.58 mg, 2.92 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 15° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with DCM (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=10% to 30%) to afford A-34 (220 mg, 0.96 mmol) as an oil. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=8.58 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, 1H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 6.83 (dd, 1H), 3.58-3.50 (m, 1H), 2.28-2.19 (m, 2H).

Synthesis of Compound 26

A mixture of A-34 (200 mg, 0.87 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]boronic acid (216.17 mg, 1.05 mmol), Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (67.06 mg, 0.13 mmol), and K₃PO₄ (371.43 mg, 1.75 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and water (0.2 mL) was stirred under N₂ at 90° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc (10 mL), filtered through silica gel, eluted with EtOAc (15 mL) and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (column: Waters Xbridge (150×25 mm, 5 μm; A=H₂O (10 mM NH₄HCO₃) and B=CH₃CN; 35%-80% B over 9 minutes) to afford Compound 26 (12.91 mg, 0.035 mmol) as a solid, ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.01 (s, 1H), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 6.99 (dd, 1H), 2.99-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.49-2.37 (m, 1H), 2.16-2.04 (m, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=1.09 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₂F₅N₂O [M+H]⁺ 355.1, found 354.9.

Example 27: Synthesis of Compound 27

Synthesis of A-35

To a mixture of Compound 7 (300 mg, 0.50 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (10 mL) and 1,4-dioxane (5 mL) was added Br₂.dioxane (625.95 mg, 2.52 mmol), then the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 24 hours. Another batch of Br₂.dioxane (625.95 mg, 2.52 mmol) was then added, and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for another 24 hours. The mixture was poured into water (50 mL), then solid NaHSO₃ was added until the mixture turned yellow. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2), and the combined organic phase was washed with brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 30%) to afford A-35 (300 mg, 0.67 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.13 (d, 1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 7.99 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=0.96 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₇BrF₆N₃O [M+H]⁺ 426.0, found 425.9.

Synthesis of Compound 27

A mixture of A-35 (100 mg, 0.23 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (32.24 mg, 0.04 mmol), dppf (39.03 mg, 0.07 mmol), Zn (2.3 mg, 0.04 mmol) and Zn(CN)₂ (82.68 mg, 0.70 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 16 hours under N₂. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 68-78% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 27 (25.62 mg, 0.07 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.45 (d, 1H), 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.41 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.29 min using Method A, ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₇F₆N₄O [M+H]⁺ 373.0519, found 373.0544.

Example 28: Synthesis of Compound 28

Synthesis of A-36

To a mixture Compound 15 (290 mg, 0.66 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (10 mL) and 1,4-dioxane (5 mL) was added Br₂.dioxane (820.88 mg, 3.31 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was poured into water (50 mL), then to the mixture was added solid NaHSO₃ until the mixture turned to yellow. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by flash chromatography by silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 30%) to afford A-36 (150 mg, 0.32 mmol) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.95 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₁₁BrF₆N₃O₂ [M+H]⁺ 470.0, found 470.0.

Synthesis of Compound 28

A mixture of A-36 (150 mg, 0.32 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (43.82 mg, 0.0500 mmol), dppf (53.06 mg, 0.10 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (112.39 mg, 0.96 mmol) and Zn (3.13 mg, 0.05 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 16 hours under N₂. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 65-75% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 28 (30.82 mg, 0.074 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.45 (d, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 3.46 (s, 3H). LCMS R_(t)=1.29 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₁F₆N₄O₂ [M+H]⁺ 417.1, found 417.0.

Example 29: Synthesis of Compound 29

Synthesis of A-37

A mixture of A-22 (500 mg, 2.26 mmol), [4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]boronic acid (557.18 mg, 2.93 mmol), Cs₂CO₃ (1470.4 mg, 4.51 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (368.57 mg, 0.45 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (30 mL) and water (5 mL) was stirred at 85° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered through Celite and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The filtrate was concentrated and diluted with EtOAc (30 mL), washed with water (10 mL×2) and brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 10% to 40%) to afford A-37 (600 mg, 1.52 mmol) as a solid. LCMS R_(t)=0.88 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₆N₃ [M+H]⁺ 332.1, found 331.9.

Synthesis of A-38

A mixture of A-37 (550 mg, 1.39 mmol) and Br₂.dioxane (1724.88 mg, 6.96 mmol) in carbon tetrachloride (10 mL) and 1,4-dioxane (5 mL) was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours. The mixture was poured into water (100 mL), then NaHSO₃ (solid) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (50 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with water (20 mL×2) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography by silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 50%) to afford A-38 (550 mg, 1.32 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.16 (d, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, 2H), 7.79 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=0.95 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₇BrF₆N₃ [M+H]⁺ 410.0, found 410.0.

Synthesis of Compound 29

A mixture of A-38 (100 mg, 0.24 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (33.49 mg, 0.04 mmol), dppf (40.55 mg, 0.07 mmol), Zn (2.39 mg, 0.04 mmol) and Zn(CN)₂ (85.9 mg, 0.73 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 16 hours under N₂. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the erode product, which was purified by prep-HPLC (Phenomenex Gemini (150 mm×25 mm, 10 μm); A=H₂O (0.05% NH₄OH) and B=CH₃CN); 62-72% B over 8 minutes) to afford Compound 29 (22.33 mg, 0.06 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.48 (d, 1H), 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.12 (d, 2H), 7.82 (d, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.27 min using Method A, ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₇F₆N₄ [M+H]⁺ 357.0569, found 357.0585.

Example 30: Synthesis of Compound 30

Synthesis of A-39

To a mixture of Compound 26 (160 mg, 0.45 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added NBS (96.46 mg, 0.54 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 hours, at which point the desired product was observed. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (20 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (10 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=10% to 30%) to afford A-39 (70 mg, 0.12 mmol) as an oil. LCMS R_(t)=0.96 min using Method B, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₇H₁₁BrF₅N₂O [M+H]⁺ 433.0, found 432.9.

Synthesis of Compound 30

A mixture of A-39 (70 mg, 0.16 mmol), dppf (26.88 mg, 0.05 mmol), Zn (1.59 mg, 0.02 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (56.93 mg, 0.48 mmol) and Pd₂(dba)₃ (22.2 mg, 0.02 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was stirred at 105° C. under N₂ for 16 hours, at which point TLC analysis indicated the starting material consumed. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through Celite, then EtOAc (20 mL) and saturated NH₄Cl aqueous (20 mL) were added. The organic phase was washed with brine (20 mL), dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to give the crude product, which was purified by prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=4:1) to afford Compound 30 (2.61 mg, 0.01 mmol) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.14 (s, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 3H), 3.02-2.91 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.44 (m, 1H), 2.22-2.12 (m, 1H). LCMS R_(t)=1.27 min using Method A, MS ESI calcd. for C₁₈H₁₁F₅N₃O [M+H]⁺ 380.1, found 380.0.

Example 31: Synthesis of Compound 31

A mixture of 3-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine (282.58 mg, 0.88 mmol), 6-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine (150 mg, 0.68 mmol), Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (82.93 mg, 0.10 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (441.12 mg, 1.35 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (6 mL) and water (1.5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours under N₂. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (70 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The erode product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 20%) to give 6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine (220 mg, 0.53 mmol, 78% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR CDCl₃ 400 MHz δ_(H)=9.21 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.06 (dd, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 4.92 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=0.86 min in 1.5 min chromatography. MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₇N₄O [M+H]⁺ 381.1, found 380.9.

To a mixture of 6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine (100 mg, 0.26 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (0.50 mL) and carbon tetrachloride (1 mL) was added Br₂ (0.07 mL, 1.32 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 5 hours. To the mixture was added water (5 mL), then to the mixture was added Na₂SO₃ (solid) until the mixture turned yellow. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (200 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 20% to 60%) to give l-bromo-6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine (130 mg, 0.28 mmol) as a solid ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.13 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1H), 4.92 (q, 2H).

A mixture of 1-bromo-6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine (130 mg, 0.28 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (38.89 mg, 0.04 mmol), dppf (54.94 mg, 0.10 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (99.75 mg, 0.85 mmol) and Zn (2.78 mg, 0.04 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred at 105° C. for 16 hours under N₂. From TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=5:1), a new spot (Rf=0.4, UV) was observed and no starting material (Rf=0.6, UV) was remained. After cooled to r.t., the mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (40 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by Prep-TLC (silica gel, PE:EtOAc=5:1) to give 6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine-1-carbonitrile (5.87 mg, 0.01 mmol, 5% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=9.45 (d, 1H), 8.53 (d, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.08 (dd, 1H), 4.93 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.45 min in 2.0 min chromatography. MS MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₇F₇N₅O [M+H]⁺ 406.0533, found 406.0612.

Example 32: Synthesis of Compound 32

A mixture of 3-bromo-6-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (200 mg, 0.75 mmol), K₃PO₄ (319.22 mg, 1.5 mmol), 3-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine (362.09 mg, 1.13 mmol) and Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂ (57.63 mg, 0.11 mmol) in 1,4-Dioxane (3 mL) and Water (0.3 mL) was stirred at 90° C. for 16 hours under N₂ to give a brown mixture. From LCMS, desired MS was observed and no starting material was remained. The mixture was cooled to r.t., diluted with EtOAc (20 mL), filtered through silica gel and eluted with EtOAc (20 mL). The filtrate was concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by Prep-HPLC (column: Waters Xbridge 150*25 5 u; mobile phase: [water (10 mM NH₄HCO₃)-ACN]; B %: 46%-76%, 7 min) to give 3-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (142.26 mg, 0.3742 mmol, 50% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ_(H)=9.09 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, 1H), 8.55 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 5.18 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.195 min in 2.0 min chromatography. MS ESI calcd. for C₁₄H₈F₇N₄O [M+H]⁺ 381.1, found 381.0.

Example 33 Synthesis of Compound 33

A mixture of 3-fluoro-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyridine (283.85 mg, 0.88 mmol), 6-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (150 mg, 0.68 mmol), Cs₂CO₃ (443.1 mg, 1.36 mmol) and Pd(dppf)Cl₂.CH₂Cl₂ (83.3 mg, 0.10 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (6 mL) and water (1.5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 16 hours under N₂. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was diluted with H₂O (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (70 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (30 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 10%) to give 6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (240 mg, 0.62 mmol, 920% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ_(H)=8.24 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.67-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 4.91 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=0.88 min in 1.5 min chromatography. MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₉F₇N₃O[M+H]⁺ 380.1, found 379.9.

To a solution of 6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (210 mg, 0.55 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL) was added NBS (147.84 mg, 0.83 mmol) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 hour. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (40 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (EtOAc in PE=0 to 20%) to give l-bromo-6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (130 mg, 0.26 mmol, 47% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR CDCl₃ 400 MHz δ_(H)=8.21 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 7.69-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.19 (dd, 1H), 4.92 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=0.95 min in 1.5 min chromatography. MS ESI calcd. for C₁₅H₈BrF₇N₃O [M+H]⁺ 458.0, found 457.9.

A mixture of 1-bromo-6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (130 mg, 0.26 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (36.08 mg, 0.04 mmol), dppf (50.97 mg, 0.09 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (92.54 mg, 0.79 mmol) and Zn (2.58 mg, 0.04 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was stirred at 90° C. for 16 hours under N₂. After cooling to r.t., the mixture was diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (40 mL×2). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (20 mL), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to give the crude product. The crude product was purified by Prep-HPLC (column: Waters Xbridge 150*25 5 um; mobile phase: [water (0.05% ammonia hydroxide v/v)-ACN]; B %: 55%-85%, 8.5 min) to give 6-[5-fluoro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-pyridyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-1-carbonitrile (57.05 mg, 0.14 mmol, 52% yield) as a solid. ¹H NMR CDCl₃ 400 MHz δ_(H)=8.34 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.65 (dd, 1H), 7.51 (dd, 1H), 4.93 (q, 2H). LCMS R_(t)=1.24 min in 2.0 min chromatography. MS ESI calcd. for C₁₆H₈F₇N₄O [M+H]⁺ 405.1, found 405.0.

Example 34: Efficacy of Exemplary Compounds in the Modulation of Late Sodium Current (INaL)

Functional characterization of exemplary compounds to modulate INaL expressed by the Na_(V)1.6 voltage-gated sodium channel was accomplished using the PatchXpress™ high throughput electrophysiology platform (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). HEK-293 cells expressing recombinant human Na_(V)1.6 (hNa_(V)1.6) were grown in DMEM/high-glucose Dulbecco's modified, 10% FBS, 2 mM sodium pyruvate, 10 mM HEPES and 400 μg/mL G418. Cells were grown to 50%-80% confluency prior to harvesting. Trypsinized cells were washed, allowed to recover for 1 hour and then resuspended in extracellular recording solution at a concentration of 1×10⁶ cells/ml. The onboard liquid handling facility of the PatchXpress was used for dispensing cells and applying test compounds. Nay late currents were evoked by the application of 300 nM ATX-II. INaL was evoked by depolarizing pulses to 0 mV for 200 ms from a non-inactivating holding potential (e.g., −120 mV) at a frequency of 0.1 Hz. INaL amplitude and stability were determined by analyzing the mean current amplitude over the final 20 ms of the test pulse. Following steady state block with exemplary compounds (e.g., as described herein), a Na⁺ free solution containing an impermeant cation (e.g., Choline or NDMG) was added to confirm the identify of the sodium current. Percent steady-state inhibition of INaL was calculated as: [(INaL_compound)/(INaL_control)]*100, where INaL_compound and INaL_control represent INaL recorded in the presence or absence of compound, respectively.

Results from this assay relating to percent inhibition of NaV1.6 at 1 μM are summarized in Table 1 below. In this table, “A” indicates inhibition of less than 30%; “B” indicates inhibition of between about 30% to about 70%; and “C” indicates inhibition of greater than 70%.

TABLE 1 INaL v1.6 Compound (1 μM, % Inhibition) 1 C 2 B 3 B 4 B 5 B 6 C 7 B 8 B 9 B 10 A 11 A 12 B 13 A 14 B 15 C 16 C 17 A 18 A 19 C 20 A 21 B 22 B 23 B 24 A 25 A 26 B 27 C 28 C 29 C 30 C 31 B 32 B 33 C

EQUIVALENTS AND SCOPE

In the claims articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may mean one or more than one unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that include “or” between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process.

Furthermore, the invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, and descriptive terms from one or more of the listed claims are introduced into another claim. For example, any claim that is dependent on another claim can be modified to include one or more limitations found in any other claim that is dependent on the same base claim. Where elements are presented as lists, e.g., in Markush group format, each subgroup of the elements is also disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should it be understood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular elements and/or features, certain embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements and/or features. For purposes of simplicity, those embodiments have not been specifically set forth in haec verba herein. It is also noted that the terms “comprising” and “containing” are intended to be open and permits the inclusion of additional elements or steps. Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or sub-range within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

This application refers to various issued patents, published patent applications, journal articles, and other publications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. If there is a conflict between any of the incorporated references and the instant specification, the specification shall control. In addition, any particular embodiment of the present invention that falls within the prior art may be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. Because such embodiments are deemed to be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, they may be excluded even if the exclusion is not set forth explicitly herein. Any particular embodiment of the invention can be excluded from any claim, for any reason, whether or not related to the existence of prior art.

Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. The scope of the present embodiments described herein is not intended to be limited to the above Description, but rather is as set forth in the appended claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications to this description may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (VIIa):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen, R² is hydrogen, cyano, or C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, R³ is selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆alkyl, cyano, C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl, —OR^(c), —C(O)R^(c), —C(O)OR^(c), and —C(O)N(R^(d))₂, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl or C₃₋₁₀ carbocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkyl, halo, or OR^(c), wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more R⁵; m is 0, 1, or 2; R⁵ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OR^(c); each R^(c) is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl, wherein C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₈carbocyclyl, C₁₋₆ alkylene-(C₃₋₈carbocyclyl), 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, or 5-8 membered heteroaryl is optionally substituted by one or more R⁷; each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; each R⁷ is independently C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₃₋₈ carbocyclyl, 3-8 membered heterocyclyl, halo, cyano, nitro, or —OH, wherein the compound is not:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of: —CH₃, CF₃, CHF₂, and cyclopropyl.
 3. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R² is cyano or C₁₋₆ haloalkyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃, —OCF₃, —OCH₂CF₃, —CH₂—CH₂-cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃, and cyclopropyl optionally substituted with —CN or CF₃.
 5. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R³ is —OR^(c), wherein R^(c) is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with 1, 2, or 3 halogens or C₃₋₈carbocyclyl optionally substituted with cyano or CF₃.
 6. The compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the compound is

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 6, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 9. A method of treating epilepsy or epileptic encephalopathy in a subject in need thereof, comprising: administering to the subject a compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the subject is a human, and wherein the neurological disorder is epilepsy.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the subject is a human, and wherein the neurological disorder is an epileptic encephalopathy.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the epileptic encephalopathy comprises Dravet syndrome, infantile spasms, or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the compound is

a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the subject is a human, and wherein the method comprises treating epilepsy.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the subject is a human, and wherein the method comprises treating an epileptic encephalopathy.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the epileptic encephalopathy comprises Dravet syndrome, infantile spasms, or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. 